Fire and brimstone from heaven, from earth, in hell, or, Three discourses I. Concerning the burning of Sodom and Gomorrah formerly, II. Concerning the burning of Æetna, or Mount Gibel more lately, III. Concerning the burning of the wicked eternally, with fire and brimstone / by Thomas Vincent ...

Fire and Brimstone from Hea∣ven, in the burning of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Psalm 11. 6.

Upon the wicked he shall rain Snare Fire and Brimstone, and an horrible Tempest; this shall be the portion of their Cup.

CHAP. I. The Text opened, and a general Doctrine observed.

THe Lord is known by the judge∣ments which He executeth, whereby he giveth Sinners to understand even in this World, that, as he is patient and long∣suffering, merciful and gracious, and ready to be reconciled: so that he is Holy and jealous, just and righteous, and that he can be angry, and ex∣presse his anger in furious rebukes, when by sin he is exceedingly provoked hereunto. And as the anger of the Lord, in the height and feirenesse of it, is compared unto Fire, unto a flaming Fire, which devoureth round about, Lam. 2. 3. So his

most dreadful judgements, the expressions of his an∣ger are by Fire, especially by Fire mingled with Brimstone. Such showers of Fire and Brimstone God doth threaten to rain upon the wicked in the Text: Upon the wicked he shall rain Snares, Fire, and Brim∣stone and an horrible Tempest, this shall be the portion of their Cup.

In this Psalm is set forth first (the •…•…hatred and in∣dignation of the wicked towards the righteous, which is expressed both in their scoffing at them, and their preparing the bow, and arrow to shoot and destroy them. Ver. 1. 2. 2. the hatred and indignation of God towards the wicked, which is expressed in his threatning to rain Snares, Fire, and •…•…mstone, and an horrible Tempest upon them to devour them. Ver. 5. 6. Upon the wicked,) that is, upon all the wicked who go on still in their tres∣passes, especially such as are haters and persecutors of the righteous. He shall rain Snares, that is, God will entangle and hold them so fast, even like Birds under the snares and nets of the Fowler, that they shall not be able to fie from and escape the de∣struction which he will bring upon them. Fire and Brimstone, and an horrible Tempest. No Tempest is more horrible, than a tempest of Fire and Brim∣stone, which God will rain on the wicked; this hath an allusion unto the real Fire and Brimstone, miraculously Created by God, and rained down from Heaven upon the wicked Cities of Sodom and Gemorrah: something like unto this God threat∣neth in his destructions of other places. Isa. 13. 19. And Babylon, the glory of Kingdoms, the beauty of the Caldees excellency, shall be, as when God over∣threw Sodom and Gomorrah. Amos 4. 11. I have

overthrown some of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. And if the wicked do escape real Fire and Brimstone, and any temporal judgement, like it, on Earth; be sure the Lord will rain an horrible Tempest of fire and brimstone upon them in Hell. This shall be the portion of their Cup. The Lord hath received a portion, and prepared a Cup for all the children of Men; he hath a portion of good things for the righteous, and he will give them the Cup of blessing and Salvation; but he hath laid up a portion of evil things for the wicked, and will put into their hands the Cup of his Wrath and Curse, he hath reserved ruine and destruction for them by Fire and Brimstone.

Hence observe:

Doct. That an horrible Tempest of Fire and Brim∣stone God threatneth to rain on the wicked, as their deserved portion.

I shall not here speak concerning all the dread∣full temporal judgements of God upon the wicked, which may have some similitude unto destruction by Fire and Brimstone. But treat concerning fire and brimstone it self, and the destructions of it, both what hath been, and what shall be.

My chief design is as the Lord shall enable, to set forth Gods vengeance on the wicked, which shall be hereafter by Eternal fire and brimstone in Hell, in order to the awakening of sleepy sinners out of their carnal security, there being no greater a∣wakening consideration in the whole Christian Re∣ligion, than this of the certain danger, which all unbelieving sinners are in of Hell Fire; and be∣cause such as are most concern'd in the danger are

hardly brought to conceive, but most hardly in∣duc'd to consider this Fire, it being so far remov'd at present from sense; therefore by way of intro∣duction unto the discourse concerning the burn∣ing of Hell; I shall treat first of the fire and brim∣stone which formerly was rained from Heaven, up∣on the wicked Cities of Sodom and Gomorrah; Se∣condly, of the fire and brimstone, which more late∣ly issued forth of the bowels of the Earth, in the last years eruption of Mount Aetna; that hereby I may both facilitate the conception, and entice unto the consideration of the fire and brimstone in Hell•…•…, which eternally shall burn the wicked, whose portion that dreadful place is appointed to be.

CHAP. II. The Historical Introduction unto the Iudgement of Sodom.

DReadful were the showers of fire and brim∣stone, which came down from Heaven up∣on the wicked Cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, Ad∣mah and Zeboim, the History whereof we have re∣corded in the Scriptures (the most ancient, and most certain of all Histories,) where only this record is originally to be found. But before I speak of this judgement, I shall give the Historical Introduction to it, shewing what the Scripture relateth concern∣ing the places, and people, and some transactions be∣fore it's last ruine and desolation by Fire from Heaven.

The first notice we have of Sodom is in the 13th. Chapter of Genesis. It was in the early yeers of

the World that Sodom flourished; the sinners of Sodom were co•…•…emporary with Abraham the Fa∣ther 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Faithful; none was like Abraham upon the Earth for goodness, and none were like the Sodomites •…•…on the Earth for wickedness, the Text saith▪ they •…•…re sinners before the Lord exceeding∣ly, 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. We read that Abraham (had upon the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, •…•…r saken his Fathers House and Kind∣red, •…•…d cam•…•… i•…•… Canaan with L•…•…t, his Brother 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Son, who so journed together for a while in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Land, which God promised to give unto t•…•… P•…•…sterity of Abraham for a possession; here the wealth and substance, the Flocks and Herds •…•…th of Abraham and Lot through God's blessings w•…•…re encreased greatly, insomuch as they could not longer live well together, because of the abun∣dance of their Cattel, and some strife which did arise between their Herdmen; therefore Abraham, that all occasions of contention might be avoided, desires Lot to devide and separate himself with his Cattel, and chuse either the right hand or the left, and himself would take that way which he should refuse: Lot complyeth with this motion and rea∣sonable proposition; and▪ lifting up his eyes, be∣holdeth the Plains of Iordan that they were well watered, even as the Garden of the Lord, and therefore, making choice of these Plains for his Cattel, he journeyeth East-ward towards Sodom, one of the Cities of the Plains, where himself did take up his habitation.

It was not long after Lot's sojourning in the wicked City of Sodom, that Wars break forth, and they are invaded by four great Kings: namely, Amraphel, Arioch, Chedarlaomer, and Tidal, because

of their Rebellion against Chedarlaomer, whom they had served twelve yeers before. The history of which Wars with the event thereof, we have in the 14th. Chapter of Genesis. Against which Army of the four Kings were gathered together the five Kings of the Cities of the Plain and their people, who joyned together in battel with their enemies in the Vale of Siddim: But the four Kings were too mighty for the five, and smiting them, obtained Victory over them: Whether the Army of the four Kings were too numerous, or more Warlike and expert in battel; or whether the guilt of the people under the five Kings weakened their hands, and enfeebled their Spirits, it is not said: but this we may reasonably judge that their sins were the cause of their overthrow, and that God did hereby warn them to repent and turn from the evil of their do∣ings, lest a worse evil should overtake and utterly destroy them.

The four Kings having conquered and dispersed the Army of the five Kings, they sack the Cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, and amongst other captives they take Lot with his goods and depart.

Abraham hath notice quickly by one that had escaped of these sad tidings, and what had befallen Lot; and though he could not muster up so great force as to match these four great Kings in number; yet because of the great love which he did bare un∣to Lot, who for his sake had come forth from a∣mongst their own Kindred into Canaan with him, and being filled with courage, having as little black guilt within to appale his spirit, as any man alive, he armeth his three hundred and eighteen trained ser∣vants, and without any other help, only Aner, Escol,

and Mamre, which were confederate with him, he pursueth these Kings laden with their rich booty, and in the night when they were drowned (it may be) with sleep and security, he devideth his little company and assaulteth them; which being so sud∣den and unexpected, and at such time, when the Host of these Kings were unready and unprepared, they are struck with dread and amazement, and without any great resistance which we read of, they confusedly flee before Abraham, who maketh a great slaughter amongst them, and pursueth them to Hoba. Thus Abraham rescueth Lot, and the other captives out of their Enemies hand, and re∣covereth all the goods which they had taken a∣way.

In Abraham's return with the spoils of these great Kings, the King of Sodom, who had escaped in the battel, cometh forth to meet him, who maketh proffer unto him of all the goods which he had recovered, the persons only excepted; but A∣braham, what ever he had deserved, yet would not accept of so much as the worth of a thred or shoe∣latchet, of what had before belonged unto so wick∣ed a people as the Sodomits were; fearing possibly that such goods mingled with his own might prove like a Moth unto them; however, he would not give the King occasion to say, or any to think that Sodom's goods had made Abraham rich.

This bringing back of the Sodomits from captivi∣ty and reinstalling the King of Sodom beyond what he could have lookt for, by such unlikely means, was a wonderful work of God, and laid a great obligation upon the Sodomites, not only to respect Lot, upon whose account Abraham had thus ven∣tured

himself, but 〈…〉〈…〉 of •…•…heir sins a∣gainst God, who 〈…〉〈…〉 Abraham for this work, and delivere•…•… 〈…〉〈…〉 •…•… their enemies into his hands, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 King of Salem, and Priest of the High God, who came forth to meet Abra∣ham, acknowledgeth with praise and thanksgiving: how little the Sodomites did answer their obligation either unto God or Man, will appear in the 19th. Chapter of Genesis; where their sin and punishment is set forth.

But before this in the 18th. Chapter we read that Abraham having entertained three Angels, he afterwards bringeth them forward on their way which lay towards Sodom: the Chief and most ho∣nourable of these Angels, being the Son of God, the Angel of the New-Covenant, staying behind the other two Angels who went onwards towards So∣dom, revealeth unto Abraham what he was about to do unto Sodom, giving him to understand that the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah was great, and their sins exceeding grievous, and that now he was go∣ing down to visit them for their sins: whether he revealed to him what manner of destruction he in∣tended to bring upon them we have no mention; but whatever it were Abraham is full of fears be∣cause of Lot, and therefore interceeds with the Lord in the behalf of the place, as wicked as it was, to prevent (if possible) the ruine and destruction thereof, which was threatned.

Abraham knew of one righteous person, namely Lot, which was there, and he hoped that there might have been others besides him, if not of the City yet in Lot's Family; and therefore he maketh bold to plead with the Lord, that he would not

destroy the righteous with the wicked, because this would 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…eem just and right for the Judge of all the Earth to do; and first he prayeth, that if fifty righteous persons were found in Sodom, the place might be spared for their sakes, the Lord being very gracious, readily promiseth it should be ac∣cording to his request; Abraham having enco•…•…ra∣gement from one grant, and fearing what the num∣ber of righteous persons in Sodom might be, entreat∣eth further, that if five were wanting of the fifty the place might not be destroyed; and having ob∣tained his request herein, he doth not rest but pro∣ceeds to beg with expressions of low humility, that if but forty, and then if but thirty, and then if but twenty, and last of all if but ten righteous persons were found there, that the Lord would spare the place for their sakes. Abraham speeds in his whole desire, the Lord assuring him, that he would not destroy the place, if he found so many as ten righte∣ous persons therein; and Abraham leaves off asking, before the Lord giveth any denial unto his suit; and though Abraham did not request it, yet the Lord himself did resolve it, that not one righteous person should be consumed in the iniquity of the City, and therefore as he sent Angels thither to destroy the place: so they had a commission to save righteous Lot and his Family, as we may see in the 19th. Chapter.

The two Angels were now come in the evening unto Sodom, whilst Lot providentially was sitting in the gate, who seeing them enter, riseth up from his seat and meeteth them, and bowing himself to∣ward the ground, entreateth the favour of them that they would be his guests that night, through his

importunate request (they refusing at first) he pre∣vaileth with them, and so bringeth them home to his house, where he entertaineth them with a feast. They had not been long in Lot's House, before the House was beset by the Men of the City, upon no∣tice of two extraordinary persons that were there; possibly the bodies which those Angels had assumed were very beautiful to the eye, and full of sparkling lustre, being inform'd by such glorious spirits; and this might entice the beastly, or rather worse than beastly lusts of the Sodomits, and enflame them with burning desires of committing that filthy sin with them, which is not fit to be nam'd; these desires bring the chief part of the City, old and young from every quarter unto Lot's house, who when they were come, they require him to bring forth those Men (as they supposed them to be) that they might satisfie their lusts upon them. Lot looking upon this as a piece of inhumanity and abominable wickednesse, to offer such injury unto strangers, that he got forth of his door, and with fair words endeavoureth to perswade them the forbearance of this wickedness; yea, he is so far transported with desire of saving his guests from the filthy lusts of the Sodomits, that inconsiderately he endeavours to divert them, by making proffer of both his Vir∣gin-daughters to them to be used, or mis-used by them as they pleased, so that his guests might be spared.

But the Sodomits are fully bent upon their wicked∣ness, and deafning their ears against his proposal, they press in upon Lot; and threatning to deal worse with him than with them, they attempt to break open his door. The Angels seeing what dan∣ger

Lot was in amongst the furious and lustful mul∣titude, put forth their hands and pull Lot into his house; and withall, putting forth the power the Lord had given them, they smite the Sodomits with blindness, so that they could not find the door, which notwithstanding that judgement of blind∣ness upon their bodies, being pricked forward by their blind and impetuous lusts, they still seek after.

And now the ruine of Sodom is not far off, the Angels reveal unto Lot who they were, and that they were sent by the Lord to destroy Sodom, and the Neighbouring Cities, because of the crying wickedness which was in them: therefore inquir∣ing concerning his relations in that City, they bid him bring forth all that belonged to him; accord∣ingly Lot goeth forth and calleth upon his Sons in Law, and giveth them to understand what he had heard of the Angels, concerning the near destru∣ction of the City, and therefore warneth them with all expedition to hasten out of the place; but Lot seemeth unto his Sons in Law as if he had mocked, and they give heed to none of his words.

The day being come that Sodom and Gomorrah must be destroy'd, the Angels in the top of the morn∣ing hasten Lot to come forth, and whilst he linger∣eth they lay hold on his hands, and the hands of his Wife and Daughters, and (the Lord being merciful unto them) bring them forth, bidding him flee to the Mountain, and escape for his life, and not look back, lest he should be destroyed, which his Wife offering (notwithstanding the warning) to do, was turned into a Pillar of Salt; Lot being full of fears entreateth for Zoar, and for

his sake the Lord spared that City that Lot might retire unto it, whilst he brought destruction upon Sodom and Gomorrah, and the other Cities of the Plain.

CHAP. III. A general description of Sodoms Iudgement, together with the efficient cause which was God, and the meritorious cause, Sodoms sins.

BEing thus led by the clew or 〈…〉〈…〉 story, we are at length come to 〈…〉〈…〉 most tremendous and dreadful Judg•…•…ment, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 God executed upon Sodom & Gomorrah; namely, that horrible tempest of Fire and Brimstone, which the Lord rained upon those wicked Cities for their sins, the relation and description whereof we have Gen. 19. from the 23d. Ver. to the 30th. The Sun was risen upon the Earth, when Lot entered into Zoar. Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and Gomorrah Brimstone and Fire from the Lord out of Heaven: And he overthrew those Cities, and all the Plain, and all the Inhabitants of the Cities, and that which grew upon the ground. And Abraham gat up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the Lord; and he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and to∣ward all the Land of the Plain, and beheld, and lo the •…•…ke of the Countrey went up, as the smoke of a •…•…urnace. And it came to passe when God destroyed the Cities of the Plain, that God remembred Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the Cities wherein Lot dwelled.

In treating of this subject concerning the burn∣ing

of Sodom and Gomorrah with fire and brimstone, I shall speak:

• First, Of the cause of this Judgement.
• Secondly, Of the Judgement it self.
• Thirdly, Of persons on whom it was inflicted, and how they were aff•…•…cted.
• Fourthly, Of the persons that escaped.
• Fifthly, Of the Spectators.
• Lastly, Of the use and improvement which we may make of it.

Concerning the cause of this Iudgement; The efficient cause was God; The meritorious cause was Sodoms sins.

First, The efficient cause of the judgement of Sodom and Gomorrah was the Lord. Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and Gomorrah Brimstone and Fire from the Lord out of Heaven. Every judge∣ment, whereof there are second causes in nature, is from the Lord; but this judgement was miraculous and therefore the hand of the Lord was in it more immediately; It was beyond the power of any second causes to effect this great thing, and there∣fore the Lord doth put forth his own great power, and stretcheth forth his mighty arm, that he might take vengeance on the wicked Sodomits, who had so highly provoked him by their sins. It is said Deut. 29. 23. The Lord overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboim in his anger and in his wrath.

The Lord heard the cry of Sodom's sins, and was wrath; a fire of anger was kindled in his breast, and fury came up into his face, therefore girding himself with his irresistible power, and clothing

himself with flaming vengeance, as with a garment he came done, to plead with this ungodly and wicked people for their sins, rendering his rebukes in such a way as never before was heard of. It was the day of the Lords recompence, the day of his wrath and fierce anger, a day of trouble and di∣stresse, of wasting and desolation: It was a day in which the Lord was revealed from Heaven in flaming Fire, to take vengeance upon the Sodomits, whom he punished with a most fearful destruction, devouring those wicked Cities by the fire of his jea∣lousie, that he might make a speedy riddance of all the sinners which dwelled in them. The Lord rained upon Sodom and Gomorrah Brimstone and Fire from the Lord out of Heaven. By the Lord on Earth we are to understand the Son of God, the second most glorious Person in the Trinity; by the Lord in Heaven, we are to understand the Father, the first Person, who hath committed all Judgement unto the Son, Ioh. 5. 22. From whom he received power to execute the appointed vengeance on wicked So∣dom.

Secondly, The miritorious cause of the Judge∣ment upon Sodom and Gomorrah was the sins of those wicked Cities, when the Lord ariseth from his place to take vengeance upon a Nation, espe∣cially in some notable and remarkable judgement, he is first exceedingly provoked hereunto by the sins of that people. It is said Gen. 13. 13. that the men of Sodom were wicked, and sinners before the Lord exceedingly. They exceeded all other Nations in their sins, and therefore they exceeded all other Nations in their punishment. And Chap. 18. 20. We read the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah was great,

and their sin was very grievous. It was not their prayers which sent up such a cry unto Heaven, no they were wholly irreligious and Ungodly: but it was their sins, like the blood of Abel which cryed from the ground for vengeance on him that shed it; the cry of Sodoms sins was so loud, that it came up into Gods ears, and would give him no rest until he came down to punish: Their sin was very grie∣vous; not only grievous unto righteous Lot, who was vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked, 2 Pet. 2. 7. But it was most grievous unto the most Holy and Righteous God, it was as a heavy load upon him grievous and hard to be boarn; it grieved God as it were to the heart, and therefore he doth ease himself of the burden of their Sin, by suffering it to fall down with a heavy weight upon themselves, so as to crush and destroy them together.

There are five sins of Sodom spoken of together, Ezek. 16. 49, 50. Behold this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, Pride, fullness of Bread, and abun∣dance of Idleness was in her, and in her Daughters; that is her neighbour inferiour Cities, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me, therefore I took them away as I saw good. The Sins were:

• First, Pride and Haughtiness.
• Secondly, Fulness of Bread.
• Thirdly, Abundance of Idelness.
• Fourthly, Unmercifulness to the Poor.
• Fifthly, Abomination.

The first Sin of Sodom was Pride and Haughtiness, Prov. 16. 18. Pride goeth before destruction, and a

haughty spirit before a fall. The Pride and haughti∣ness of the Sodomits did discover it self in their car∣riage towards Lot, Gen. 19. 7, 9. Lot is meek and humble, he speaketh fairly and kindly: I pray you Brethren do not so wickedly: But they are high rough and very haughty in their answer. And they said stand back, and they said again, this one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a Iudge. As if they should have said: Pray who are you that take upon you to speak thus unto us? do you know whom you speak to? you are a bold and saucy fellow to tell us of wicked∣ness; Will you needs be our Iudge? shall we indeed be judg'd by such a fellow as you? pray stay untill we make choice of you and place you in that office: shall we submit our selves to be judged by one so contemptible? No, no, we will never endure it; it is below our birth and breeding to be curb'd by any one, especially by you, who are a stranger, and of such a low spirit as dare not join with us in the way and practice of our City: We will deal worse with you than with them, we will make you know that we are your betters, and that we have power in our bands to bring you to your knees, and to tread you under our feet, that we can do both with you and yours what we please: we have been often pro∣voked by you before, now we will forbear no longer, but make you to feel as well as to see in what disdain we have taken all your reproofs of our conversation. Pride was grown to a great heigth in Sodom, it was mon∣strously great and big-bellied, conceiving and bringing forth many Daughters, such as Hatred, Malice, Envie, Revenge, Wrath, Strife, Conten∣tion, Bitterness, evil speaking, Slanders, Backbiting, Whisperings, Tumults, Brawls, Blood, and the like; these and many other •…•…ins are the product of Pride

and haughtiness, all which we have reason to think did exceedingly abound in these exceeding wicked Cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

The second sin of Sodom was Fulness of Bread. By Bread we are to understand all sort of food, and not only meat, but drink too, as Math. 6. 11. Give us this day our dayly Bread: By fulness of bread is not meant plenty of food, this being Gods gift, and none of mans sin to have it, and to make use of it moderately; but hereby we are to understand the Sodomits excessive filling themselves, their ex∣cessive eating unto gluttony, and excessive drink∣ing unto drunkenness: They pampered the flesh, and nourished themselves as the Ox is nourished against the day of slaughter, some resemblance of their Sin was in the Israelites spoken of, •…•…m, 6. 4, 5, 6. That lay upon Beds of Ivory, and stretched themselves on their Couches, and eat the Lambs out of the Flock, and Calves out of the midst of the Stall: That chanted to the sound of the Viol, that drank Wine in Bowls, and Anointed themselves with the chief Ointments,

They were such as those against whom the wo is pronounced, Isa. 5. 11, 12. Wo unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink, and continue untill night, till Wine enflame them: And the Harp and the Viol, the Tabret and Pipe are in their Feasts; but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the operation of his hands. It is likely the Sodomits had been Feasting and Re∣velling, drinking and carowsing that day which the Angels came into their City, and their lusts being enflamed with their excesses, they gather in troops unto the House of Lot, to commit their in∣tended

outrage. But God is provoked, to cut off all provisions for their flesh, which they had so much abused, and to cut them off too for their in∣temperance.

The third Sin of Sodom was Abundance of Idle∣ness. Idle persons did abound in that City, and there was abundance of idleness in those persons: they sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play; they were busie and active indeed in the ser∣vice of the Devil, but either they lived without any particular Calling many of them, or were very slothful and negligent therein. Had they been di∣ligently employed in their Callings that day as the Angels visited Lot, they would have had more minde to rest themselves in their own houses, than to disturb strangers in anothers House; but they being so generally idle, and an idle crew of them got together, upon notice of the strangers enter∣tainment in Lot's house, for want of better emploi∣ment, they attempt this wickedness. The Sodomits did not only wast their wealth and strength, but also their precious time in Luxury, and this pro∣voked the Lord to put an end to their time, which they made so little account of.

The fourth Sin of Sodom was Unmercifulness to the Poor. They strengthned not the hands of the poor and needy; they had poor and needy persons amongst them, but they did neither strengthen their hands, nor comfort their hearts by distribu∣ting relief unto them; they consumed so much up∣on their lust, that they had nothing to spare for the poor, at least they had no heart to give anything for the supply of their necessities; the cry of the poor, it is likely, with their other sins came up into

Gods ears, and the Lord hath threatned, Iam. 2. 13. He shall have judgement without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy.

The fifth and chief Sin of Sodom was Abomination. And they committed Abomination before me, therefore I took them away as I saw good. This word Abomination is a general word, and may be attributed to the fore mentioned Sins, which are an abomination in the sight of God; but ordinarily it is attributed in Scripture unto the greatest and most hainous Sins, and amongst others, yea above others to the sin of Idolatry: this Sin no doubt the Sodomits were guilty of, however it is not made mention of, neither do I think that Sin is implyed in the word Abomination here, insomuch as then the Earth was full of Idolatry, and the Sodomits were not worse herein (as we read of) than other Nations, but (I conceive) by Abomination we are to understand the abominable Filthiness of the So∣domits, for which they are branded by the Apostle Iud. ver, 7. Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the Cities about them, in like manner giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, &c. They gave themselves over unto fornication, even as the Gentiles are said to do. Eph. 4. 19. Who being past feeling, have given themselves over unto Lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. God had given them up, and they had given up themselves unto the ser∣vice of their Lusts, they were generally addicted unto uncleanness, and that not only to Fornicati∣on and Adultry, but it is said, they lusted after strange Flesh, such was their lust and uncleanness as we have described, Rom. 1. 24, 26, 27. Where∣in

they did dishonour their own bodies between themselves, the men through vile affections, lea∣ving the natural use of the Woman, burned in their lusts one towards another, men with men working that which is not only unseemly to be practised, but also unseemly to be named, or more particularly described. The Sin since that time hath obtained the name of Sodomy▪ it being so general in that place, insomuch as when the Angels came to Sodom, they would have been uncleen with the very Angels, this provoked the Lord to render to them the recom∣pence for such abominable Filthiness as was meet.

Besides these Sins of the Sodomits, we may col∣lect from the History several aggrevations of their Sins, which did exceedingly ripen them for ruine.

The first aggravation of the Sodomits Sins, was their Impenitency. Although Nineveh was threat∣ned with ruine, and that within forty days, yet up∣on their repentance at the Preaching of Ionah, God repented of the evil threatned, and destroyed them not, as in the Book of Ionah. And if Sodom had repented of their Sins, and turned from their evil ways, if they had washed and made themselves clean, and put away the evil of their doings from before Gods eyes, God would have turned from the feirceness of his displeasure, and though their Sins were of a Scarlet and Crimson dy, yet they should have been blotted out and washed away, and made like Snow or Wooll: but this was the aggravation of all their other wickedness, that they were insensible and hard-hearted, their consciences were seared as with a hot Iron, so that they had no feeling nor remorse. There was a Preacher of righ∣teousness amongst them, namely righteous Lot, who

reproved them so plainly and roundly for their Ungodly practices, and filthy conversation, that they tell him he would needs make himself a Judge; unto which he added his own blameless conversa∣tion, and forbearance from such intemperance and riot as they did run into; But the Sodomits slight all Lot's sayings, they deafen their ears against his reproofs, and will be led by none of his example; nothing prevails with them to repent.

The second aggravation of the Sodomits Sins was th•…•…ir Incorrigibleness; As it was said of the Jews aft•…•…rward, Ier. 5. 3. So it might have been said of the Sodomits then, Though God had stricken them, yet they did not grieve, though God had consumed them, yet they refused to receive correction. They did not take warning by lesser judgements, so as to be corrected and amended thereby; They were smitten before their enemies, their City not long before had been sackt, their goods taken away, and themselves were led into Captivity, with their Wives and Children; and yet they were insensible of their Sins, the cause of all this evil that came upon them, and were so far from being bettered hereby, that they grew worse than they were be∣fore.

The third aggravation of the Sodomits Sins was their Ingratitude. They were not only ungrateful unto Lot, upon whose account Abraham did deliver them out of the hands of their enemies, which not only laid an obligation of respect to Lot upon them as long as they liv'd: but chiefly they were ungrateful unto God, the Author of this deliverance by Abra∣ham, and who moreover had been very bountiful unto them, in giving them such a place of plenty and

pleasure for their habitation, that it was like unto the Garden of the Lord for fruitfulness, the greater Gods Mercy and Bounty to them, the greater was their ingratitude, and the more highly aggravated were their Sins.

The fourth aggravation of the Sodomits Sins was the Universality of their Sins. There were no righteous persons amongst them, except it were Lot and his Family; they were generally corrupt, they were all dross and no Gold, all Water and no Wine ▪ all wicked when Lot was departed; As the Earth of old was filled with violence; so Sodom then was filled with Filthiness, which was very of∣fensive unto the pure and Holy Eyes of God, and provoked him to destroy them.

The fifth aggravation of the Sodomits Sins, was their Shamlesness. What was spoken of Israel, Ier. 6. 5. Might have been said of Sodom, were they ashamed, when they had committed abomination! nay they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush. When the Prophet would set forth the shamlesness of Iudah's Sins, he compareth them unto Sodom, Isa. 3. 9. The shew of their countenance doth witnesse against them, they declare their Sin like Sodom they hide it not. None had more reason to blush and be ashamed than such filthy Sinners as they, and yet none were so little ashamed: instead of being asha∣med of their Sins, they gloried in their shame.

The sixth aggravation of the Sodomits Sins was their Security. They eat, they drank, they bought, they solde, they planted, they builded, until the the judgement did overtake them, Luke 17. 28. They were generally secure, though they had so greatly sinned, and by their Sins so highly pro∣voked

the Lord to take vengeance upon them. They put the evil day far from them; Lot's Sons in Law although foretold and forewarn'd by their Father, would not believe it was so near, much lesse did the rest of the Sodomits believe any such thing, who had no intimation thereof given unto them; they little thought what a day would bring forth; their impunity for a while did en∣crease their security, and their security under the guilt of such Heaven-dareing Sins, did aggravate their Sins exceedingly.

And now the lusts of the Sodomits having con∣ceived and brought forth such Sins, and their Sins so aggravated, do arrive unto perfection, and they bring forth death; Their iniquities now are full, and the Viols of Gods wrath also are full, and he poureth them down upon their heads▪ which leadeth unto the next particular, to speak of the judgement it self inflicted upon Sodom and Gomorrah.

CHAP. IV. A particular description of Sodom and Gomorrah's burning by Fire and Brimstone from Heaven.

COncerning the judgement it self which was in∣flicted on Sodom and Gomorrah. It was Fire and Brimstone which was rained down from Hea∣ven upon those Cities. The morning was clear when Lot went forth of Sodom, and the Sun was risen upon the Earth when he entered into Zoar: But then a strange darkness did quickly fill the face of the Heavens, and hide the Sun from the view we may conceive that the fashion of the Heaven:

was altered, and that the clouds, which carried this horrible Tempest of Fire and Brimstone in their Bowels, were of another shape, than those which carry in them ordinary storms of Rain or Hail, of Thunder and Lightning. It was over Sodom and Gomorrah that these dreadful clouds were ga∣thered, which upon the command of the Lord brake asunder, and it is likely with fearful lighten∣ing, accompained with great cracks and amazing noise, as if Heaven and Earth, and Hell had been coming together, let down these flaming showers, which strangely turned the Air into Fire, and with such irresistible violence beat upon the Houses of the Sodomits, that they were foreed to yield unto the fury of these devouring flames.

This Rain probably was not in small drops, like that which falling upon the tender Grass, causeth it to spring forth and flourish; but in great flakes of of scalding Sulphurious matter enkindled by the breath of God: great sheets of Fire, it is likely, came down from Heaven, like the Flying Roll spoken of Zach. 5. 2, 3, 4. the length whereof was twenty Cubits, and the bredth thereof ten Cubits, which entered into the House of the Thief and False∣swearer, and consumed the Timber thereof, and the stones thereof. So did these sheets and rolls of fire fly about the Cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, and entered into the houses of the unjust and profane, the filthy and unclean, smiting and consuming In∣habitants with their Habitations. This storm of Fire and Brimstone, coming down with a commis∣sion from God, to destroy the whole Place, doth arm it self with unexpressible rage and fury, and first smiting the heads and tops of all the houses in the

City, setteth them on fire together, which mounting a great flame upward, and that mingling with the sulphurious fire which came downward was exceed∣ingly the more enraged, and we may conceive that from thence came such horrid blazes to the eye, and such dreadful roarings to the ear, as awa∣kened all the wicked Inhabitans of the City out of their sleep and security, and filled them with un∣conceiveable horrour and perplexity, when they saw inevitable ruine so near unto them.

Then the streets of the City were filled with flames, and the Rain from Heaven, likely did raise Floods and Streams of burning Brimstone, which poured into the houses on every side such fire as no Water could quench, no Stone Walls, nor Iron Bars or Gates could resist or defend any of the In∣habitans from being devoured thereby; thus Gods hand did find out all his enemies in these wicked Ci∣ties together, his right hand did lay hold on them that hated him, and took no heed to his Laws; and making Sodom and Gomorrah as a fiery Oven in the time of his anger, he swallowed up all the Sinners of those Places in his Wrath, and devoured them with this unquenchable fire; the Place now is like a fiery Oven, or like a great fiery Furnace, the smoke of whofe flame was so great, that far and near it might be seen; concerning the horror of the Sodomits when compassed about with Flames, I shall speak more under the third particular, only here add these things, which were remarkable in in this judgement.

• First, The strangeness of it.
• Secondly, The suddenness and unexpectedness of it.
• ...

• Thirdly, The dreadfulness of it.

First, This Judgement was very Strange. It is the nature of Fire to ascend towards Heaven, but here Fire and Brimstone together do descend from Heaven, this is very strange; the Sodomits had an unnatural Fire within them, and they have an unna∣tural Fire sent upon them; they lust after strange Flesh, Iud. 7. And God punished them with strange Fire, Iob 31. 3. Is not destruction to the wicked, and a strange punishment unto the workers of Iniquity? But of all strange punishments, this is one of the most strange, never such a thing was heard of before, or hath been known since; as I may apply what Moses speaketh on another occa∣sion, Deut. 4. 32. Aske now of the days which are past which were before, since God Created Man upon the Earth, and ask from one side of Heaven unto the other, whether there hath been such a thing as this great thing, or hath been like it, that God should Rain Fire and Brimstone from Heaven, to punish wicked Cities. We read of Fire sent down from Heaven by the Lord, upon the request of Elijah, which consumed his Sacrifice; although he had drenched it often, and surrounded it with Water, all which was licked up by the fire, unto the wonder and astonishment of the People, whereby the Lord discovered his power beyond Baal, whose Priests could not by all their prayers and cutting them∣selves prevail with their God to effect any such thing, 1 Kings 18. 26, 28, 37, 38. And we read of Fire sent down from Heaven, which destroyed two Captains and their fifty's, upon the request of the same Prophet: these things were exceeding strange; but the rain of Fire and Brimstone from

Heaven, which consumed several Cities, and all their Inbitants together was far more strange: Fire hath come from Heaven, but never so great Fire; Fire hath come down from Heaven, but ne∣ver Fire mingled with Brimstone; Fire and Brim∣stone hath come forth of the bowels of the Earth (of which in the second discourse) but never did Fire and Brimstone come down from Heaven, either before or since.

Secondly, This judgement was sudden and unex∣pected: It was like the Flood to the old World, which was drowned, or like the coming of Christ to the Sinners on Earth, which shall be damned: when the greatest judgements are most near, the Sinners which shall be destroyed thereby are most secure; and thus it was with the Sinners of Sodom: the day before there was no appearance of any such destruction near, there was no sign in the Earth or in the Heavens of any such thing; the night be∣fore also was like other nights, no fire beginning in any place, only the fire of lust which burned and raged in the hearts of that wicked people, but they had no apprehension of danger from those flames: when the morning was come it was like other mornings, there were no fiery dews, or fore-drops▪ of the fiery rain, to give them warning of what would follow. The shaddows of the night were chased away by the beams of the morning Sun, there was no appearance of the shaddows of the night of Death, ready to stretch forth themselves upon all the Inhabitants of Sodom and Neighbour Cities together. But so soon as Lot was entered into Zear, the Lord rained Fire and Brimstone on

Sodom and Gomorrah, and brought such a sudden destruction upon them as they could not escape. Even as it will be ere long with Babylon, Rev. 18. 7, 8. So it was with Sodom; she lived deliciously and securely, and in one day death and mourning came up∣on her, and she was utterly burnt with Fire. Could the Sodomits have foreseen, and certainly fore∣known, what destruction would have befallen their City that day, they would have hastened out of the place the day before, at furthest they would have delayed no longer than that morning; when Lot did depart, they would have flocked about him old and young from every quarter, and have departed with him; they would not have vallued houses of goods, so that they might have but sav'd their lives: But the Sodomits did not in the least apprehend their destruction to be so near. The Angels knew it, but they discover the thing unto Lot only; if they had made it know unto the Sodomits, it is most likely they would not have believed it any more than Lot's Sons in Law did believe Lot, when from their mouth he did declare it. The Sodo∣mits are jovial and secure, as if their life and mirth should continue many a year, when neither of them were a days standing longer.

Thirdly, This judgement was most dreadful; we read in the Scriptures and have seen with our eyes very great judgements, but none so dreadful, all things considered, as this of Fire and Brimstone from Heaven. Indeed the Flood which devoured the whole old World together, Noah and his Fa∣mily excepted did strike the most universal dread upon the children of men, of any judgement that ever hath been since the Worlds Creation: yet the

Fire and Brimstone from Heaven, which devoured Sodom and Gomorrah with all their Inhabitants, Lot only and his Family excepted had more of particu∣lar dread in it, in as much as death by Fire is more painful than death by Water; especially such Fire as came down from Heaven. It was a terrible day to the old World, when they saw the Windows of Heaven opened, and Water to come forth from thence in such great abundance, as to swell into a Flood, and that so great a Flood as drowned all Man-kind which were not found in the Ark: But it was a more terrible day to the Sodomits, when they saw the Windows of Heaven opened, and Fire to come forth from thence, Fire mingled with Brim∣stone, and Gods fiery indignation, which falling upon their Houses and heads, put all into flames; this last judgement as it had more strangeness in it; so it did strike more terrour into the hearts of those which did endure it.

When the ground clave asunder, and the Earth opening her mouth swallowed up Corah, Dathan, and Abiram, with all that appertained to them, when they went thus down alive into the pit, and the Earth closing upon them again, they perished from the Congregation, Num. 16. vers. 32. 33. This was a very feaful judgement; but the opening of the Heavens, and it's showring down Fire and Brimstone, which swallowed up Sodom and Gomorrah with all the Sinners therein, this judgement was far more fearful. Death by the Sword, and death by the Pestilence, or by any other disease hath no∣thing of that dread in it, as death by Fire, especi∣ally by Fire from Heaven, by Fire mingled with Brimstone.

No Fire have we ever seen that carried so much dread in it, as the Fire that burnt down our City of London; but London's Fire was nothing in compa∣rison with Sodoms Fire: this will appear if we com∣pare them together.

First, The Fire of London began only in one place, which awakened all the Inhabitants about to prepare, and secure themselves and their goods: but the Fire of Sodom began in all piaces together; there was fire without the City, and fire within, fire in every street, and in every house at the same time the Sodomits were compassed about with fire on all sides.

Secondly, The Fire of London consumed but a part, although it were the greatest part of the City within the Walls: but the Fire of Sodom consumed the whole City, turned all into ashes, and not one house therein did escape the fury of the flames.

Thirdly, The Fire of London, though it devoured the houses, yet much of the wealth and the best goods of the City were preserved; but Sodoms fire consumed all their Wealth, their Gold and Silver was melted, all their apparel and rich houshold furniture was burnt, and what ever provisions they had made for their flesh, what ever fuel they had laid up for their lusts became fuel for this Fire.

Fourthly, The Fire of London, though it burnt much of the goods as well as houses, which could not so easily and quickly be removed, yet few, very few of the Inhabitants perished; they had time and warning to withdraw themselves before the fire, reached so far as their habitations: but Sodom's Fire burnt persons as well as houses, and not one person in the whole City escaped after the Fire was

begun; such as went forth of doors were consumed by the Fire from Heaven; such as remained with∣in were consumed by the Fire of their houses.

Fifthly, The Fire of London, was an Earthly fire, although the contrivement of it might be first in Hell, and hellish Instruments made use of in the beginning and carrying of it on: but the Fire of Sodom and Gomorrah was from Heaven, and if the one did expresse more of the wrath of the Devil and Devilish men, the other did expresse more of the wrath of the Sin-revenging God, which is ten thousand times more dreadful.

Sixthly, The Fire of London at length was extin∣guished, since which time the City is like to be re∣built, and doth now lift up it's head with more beauty and lustre than before it was turned into ashes: but Sodom's Fire did make an desolation of that place; and since the Conflagration of that City Sodom never was, and never will be again re∣built; neither is the place capable now of having any building erected upon it, inasmuch as the Mare mortuum, the dead Sea doth now cover the place where once the Sodomits had their habitation.

CHAP. V. Concerning the Persons that were consumed and how they were affected.

3 COncerning the Persons on which this judgement was inflicted, and how they were affected. The persons were all the wicked Inhabitants of the Cities of Sodom, Gomorrah, Ad∣mah, and Zeboim, Great was the horrour (hinted

before) which we may imagine these persons were in when the Fire and Brimstone came down from Heaven upon them, and there was no way for them to escape.

The noise and scorching heat of this dreadful Fire, we may conclude did quickly awaken some out of their sleep of Intemperance, and all out of their sleep of security. What tongue can utter the horrible perplexity of the Sodomits on this day! when they opened their doors and windows in the morning, and looking up to Heaven saw them open, and fire coming down thence to devour them; when the Tempest of Fire and Brimstone beat upon them so sorely, and suddenly, when there was such a dreadful burning heat by the Fire, and such a stink∣ing noisom suffocating smoke by the Brimstone; when there was a little kind of Hell in that place both for torment and Sin. O the dread of the So∣domits! O the confusion they were in! when such an unthought of, such an unheard of▪ and such an unavoidable ruine was come upon them; how were they amazed! how were they distressed! some it may be cursed the day of their birth, wishing that they had been abortive issues, that they had never liv'd to see the light of the Sun, that so they might not have liv'd to see and feel the fire of this day: others it may be cursed themselves and the Sinners of the place, who had provoked God to send this dreadful judgement upon them; others it may be cursed God, because of the Fire and great heat, like those, Rev. 16. 8, 9. Who being scorched with great heat blasphemed the name of God, who had sent down the Fire upon them.

O what a horrible out-cry was there in Sodo

when the City began to be in flames: O what weeping and wailing, and wringing of hands!

The men roar, the woman shreek, the children weep and cry and cling about their Parents, yea all of them weep and cry out most hideously. The Sodomits have tears now in abundance; but none of their tears could quench the Flames about them, or aswage the sorrow and anguish within them; tears before for their Sins might have prevented these flames, and their fruitless mourning in the midst of them: but none more impenitent than they in the time of their prosperity, and therefore their cries and tears are to no purpose in the time of their adversity; they weep and God laughs at their calamity; they are grieved and afflicted, and God is comforted in the execution of his vengeance upon them for their Sins. In this extremty, the Sodomits know not what to do, nor which way to turn▪ they dare not go forth, that they might con∣sult one another, because the air is all in a light fire abroad, and there are streams of Fire and Brim∣stone, which overflow in the streets; all the shel∣ter they have is for a little while in their houses, but the Fire invadeth them there, and hemmeth them in on all sides, and very quickly the Fire creepeth in at their windows, and breaketh thorow their doors, nothing being able to withstand it's force. We may conceive how the poor Sodomits, when the Fire was coming into their houses, did run from room to room, being pursued where ever they went by the devouring flames; and when the fire was come at their persons, and the flames began to seise on them, then they sweat and fry, their hair is sin∣ged, their cloths are set on fire about them, their

Sinneves shrink, their hands and feet loose their use and they are in horrible pain all over without any help or relief, refuge faileth them, and there is no escaping, no enduring of this pain, and yet they must endure it until extremity of pain doth take a∣way all sence of pain.

The terrour of the Sodomits through apprehen∣sions of their present and unavoidable death before them was great, but surely the way and manner of it, namely▪ by Fire from Heaven did cause greater terrour: If it had been an ordinary Fire, of which some natural cause might have been assigned, it had not been so much; but when it was a miraculous fire from Heaven, created on purpose by the Lord to destroy those Cities, surely their dread was ex∣traordinary: they could not chuse but see the more immediate hand of God in it, and withall his frown and dreadful displeasure: with the Fire •…•… Brimstone which fell down from Heaven upon their houses and bodies, they had scalding drops of Gods wrath, •…•…ch fell down upon their consciences: we may think what impressions they had of the wrath of the Sin-revenging God on their spirits, which caused a great•…•… horror within, than the bare apprehension of death in any shape could of it self effect; when the guilt of so great Sins, and the apprehensions of so great wrath did meet together in their conscien∣ces, and they had no time nor way to get the guilt of Sin removed, and the wrath of God appeased; when conscience before asleep, was awakened in the midst of flames; when there was a Fire above the Sodomits, the Fire of Gods anger; Fire about and upon the Sodomits, the fire which came down from Heaven; Fire beneath the Sodomits, the fire

of Hell; and fire within the Sodomits, the fire kindled in their consciences, O the horrour! when Hell was already begun within them in the flashes and sparks of it; words cannot utter the horrible anguish which then they had upon them.

CHAP. VI. Concerning the Persons that escaped.

4 THe persons that escaped this dreadful judge∣ment were Lot and his Family. Like as it was in the Old World, Noah was an upright man in his generation, when the whole world besides were wicked; and God provided an Ark wherein he saved Noah and his Family, when all the kind∣reds and Nations of the world besides were drown∣ed in the Deluge of Waters, which was brought up∣on the Earth: so also Lot being the only upright and righteous man in Sodom, when all the City to∣gether with the neighbouring Cities were wicked, God provided a Zoar for Lot, whilst he brought a Deluge of fire upon those wicked Cities, which con∣sumed them and all the wicked together which dwelt in them. 2 Pet. 2. 5, 6, 7, 8. When the de∣stroying Angels were sent unto Sodom, God re∣membred righteous Lot, and a mark for preserva∣tion was set upon his forehead, because he did sigh and cry out for the abominations which were com∣mitted in the midst of the City: And God remem∣bred Abraham his Friend, who had made intercessi∣on for Lot, therefore he sent him out of the midst

of the overthrow, when he overthrew the City wherein Lot dwelt.

CHAP. VII. Concerning the Spectators of Sodom's burnings.

5 COncerning the Spectators of this Judge∣ment. Abraham, however remote his ha∣bitation was, had a plain prospect of this Fire and burning of Sodom. We read Gen. 19. 27, 28. And Abraham gat up early in the morning unto the place where he stood before the Lord; and he looked towards Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the Land of the Plain, and beheld, and lo the smoke of the Countrey went up as the smoke of a Furnace. Abrahams heart did misgive him that those wicked Cities would not escape destruction, what ever conditional promise the Lord had made unto him of their preservation; therefore, it is likely, he arose and came to this place, that he might see what became of the Cities, and quickly he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them to be all in flames, by the great smoke which mounted up from them; what his thoughts were is not mentioned, but it is likely he was more than ordinarily affected with this more than ordinary Judgement; such an ap∣pearance of God in the World, clothed with such wrath and vengeance, might well make even Abra∣ham himself, whatever Interest he had in God, to quake and be astonished: When he looked up to Heaven, he saw God all in flames of anger, when he looked down to the Earth, he saw Sodom and Go∣morrah all in flames of Fire: He knew that Lot did dwell there, and he did not know (it may be) but

that Lot with his Family might be burning there, and this might cause him to lift up his voice and weep: be sure he knew that the wickedness of the Sodomits was very great, and that the righteous of the place were very few, if any, when the Lord had promised him to spare the whole City for the sake of Ten righteous persons, could they there have been found. Ah Lord! thought he, what a wicked place is Sodom, that it should not yeild Ten righte∣ous persons? O what an evil thing and a bitter is it to Sin against God, and hereby to provoke him unto anger? and what a fearful thing is it to fall into the hands of the living God, when his anger is stirr'd up! and doth burn thus like fire. And if Abraham could so clearly discern the burning of Sodom and Gomorrah, the Inhabitants of Zoar, who dwelt so near, might more clearly discern it.

An allarm they have in the morning, which doth startle and awaken them; they are called forth out of their houses to see this dreadful and tremendous sight. The noise of Fire, Fire, Fire, doth sound in their ear, Fire from Heaven, Fire in the Air, Fire on the Earth, Sodom on Fire, Gomorrah on Fire, Admah and Zeboim on Fire, every place near them on Fire, this they hear, this they see; the flames all about are very visible, and very terrible: O with what ruful countenances do they look upwards to∣wards Heaven, from whence the Fire did come! and forwards towards Sodom and Gomorrah, where the Fire was kindled! they see all the Cities together in flames, which being all cituated upon the Plain, without any Mountain or Hill between, they might in the Fields, or on the tops of their houses have an easie prospect of. And surely the Sinners of Zoar

are now affraid, and fearfulness doth exceedingly surprize the guilt•…•…; surely their consciences now are awakened, •…•…nd do cause a trembling within them, when they see God's vengeance executed in flaming fire upon their fellow-sinners before them: Alas! wo be to us! who can endure such devouring fire? who can bear such horrible burnings? Hath So∣dom and Gomorrah provoked God to destroy them with Fire from Heaven? what then will become of us, who have shared with them in the same guilt, and have de∣served the same punishment? O whether can we flee to hide us from the wrath of God, and shelter us from his fiery indignation?

Lot also, who though he did not look back, as his Wife did, before he got into Zoar, yet from thence no doubt but he looked with a sorrowful countenance, and more sorrowful heart upon the wretched Cities as they burned, especially on So∣dom the chief City, and where his habitation had been. O the tears that now run down his Cheeks! O the grief that doth fill his heart! when he seeth such a strange shower of Fire and Brimstone rained down from Heaven upon that sinfull, and now wo∣full place: he was vexed at the Sins of the Sodomits before, and now he is grieved at their misery; he thinks of his Sons-in-Law, and laments their folly that notwithstanding his warning would stay there to be burned▪ which he knew that now they la∣mented much more; he thinks of this Neighbour, and that Neighbour, how they are weeping and cry∣ing, whilst they are melting and frying in the flames. But Lot doth not abide long in Zoar, for such fear as well as grief did possesse him, that he did not think himself safe there, and therefore fleeth

to the Mountain▪ whither he was warned at first to go by the Angels, and there dwelleth in a Cave with his two Daughters, Gen. 19. 30.

CHAP. VIII. Application to the Ungodly.

WE have here set before us an example, and that both of the Sodomits burning, and of Lot's escaping. These things are recorded for our example.

The former is an example to the Ungodly; the later is an example to the Righteous.

I. The Sodomits burning is an example to the Ungodly, 2 Pet. 2. 6. And turning the Cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them with an overthrow, making them an example unto those that after should live Ungodly.

This example is set forth both to reprove the Un∣godly, and to warn the Ungodly.

1. It reproves the Udgodly, and that for the pra∣ctice of such Sins as were the cause of Sodom's ruine. Such as

First, Pride and Haughtiness; I believe many in our age and Nation will vye with any of the Sodo∣mits of old for▪ Devilish Pride and haughty spirits▪ (if we may guesse at the pride of the heart by the garbs, the look and the speach,) there are some and those not a few, who seem to have outgone all former generations, and may well be stiled the First-born of the Devil for this Sin, although they have been brought forth at the later end of the World.

What shall we say, when men of the higher rank do so generally▪ without need disguise and hide their heads in others hair, and that of the womanish length, and for the most part of another colour than their own; and when woman disguise and hide the natural colour of their faces with pain•…•… and patches? what shall we think of the flanting apparel, the Antique and Apish fashions, of the ruffling Gallants in our Nation? not to speak of the excessive cost bestowed in their changeable rai∣ment, more being spent upon one suit worn by some but a few days, then would be sufficient to cloth the backs and fill the bellies of some scores of poor Christians, nor to insist upon the excessive time spent▪ or rather mispent in dressing, wherein some do consume near half the time, which they spare from the bed and sleep. What shall we say of the taunting language, the scornful and reproachful speeches, which some do fill their mouths withall, and which they spit forth upon the people of God, and that because of their holinesse and likenesse un∣to God, whereby they despise not only them, but also him whose image they bear? what shall we think of the stately building, the excessive showes and flourishes without, and expensive furniture within, and that when those houses are newly risen out of their ashes▪ and when the Church lyeth wast, and so many poor Families are brought to a morsel of Bread? what do these things with many more, which I might mention; signifie, but that pride doth compasse such persons about like a chain, whereby they are enthralled and captivated; and let me say this, that the Devil hath hold of the end of this chain, and is thereby dragging them down∣wards,

(as high as they look) towards the lowest Hell.

And here I could wish that professors of Religion themselves, and many that in other regards do fear God, could acquit themselves from the guilt of many gross outward demonstrations of inward prevailing Pride; I will not say that all who have false hair, have false hearts, (some I know are true-hearted, and want a covering there,) and that all who are very curious in decking their out∣side according to the fashion, are wholly untrim'd and unadorn'd within▪ yet I could wish that the art of Periwig-making had never been found out, and that the French modes had never been brought into our Nation; and this I will say that plain ap∣parel and dresses do very well become persons of great honour, especially professors of Religion; that it is very unsutable to the times for any to bestow much cost on ornaments, when many of Christ members want necessaries, and it is very unsutable to the Christian profession, to bestow much time in adorning the body, when the soul hath more need, in the washing and adorning of which the time and pains will be best bestowed. But I retire to the reproof of the Ungodly, for other of their Sodoms Sins.

Secondly, Fulness of Bread or intemperance in eating and drinking, was another sin which Sodom was charged withall: And how many are there in our days, which may be charged with the same, who come behind none in this Sin? we read of the Pro∣digal, Luke 15. 13. who wasted his substance with riotons living: If we look abroad we may find too, too many of these every where, whose belly is

their God, who pamper the flesh, indulge and enslave themselves unto their appetite, and give themselves leave to exceed all bounds in their rio∣tous practices, spending their whole time and sub∣stance in their profuse living. See how the Apostle setteth forth riotous persons, 2 Pet. 2. 12, 13. This reprove the excesse in drinking, a Sin more in use amongst us then that of excesse in eating. What is more common than this Sin of drunken∣ness both in City and Countrey? how many are there that guzzle, and swill in drink without mea∣sure? that drench and soak themselves with Ale, & other strong liquors, besot and drown their natu∣ral parts and gifte, wasts their time in rambling up and down to Taverns and Ale-houses, consume their wealth, distemper their bodies, and provoke God to destroy their souls. Wo be to such persons, Isa. 5. 11, 12, 13. Prov. 23. 29, 30.

Thirdly, Abundance of Idleness was the third Sin of Sodom, and when did this Sin more prevail then in our licentious age? Idleness is a constant companion of intemperance, yea rather the Mo∣ther that brings it forth, at least the Nurse that brings it up; How many golden sands of time do the most suffer to run waste? how many golden seasons do they let slip, wherein they might make provision for eternity? did but they know the worth of time, especially of the harvest t•…•…e, the Summer-day of the Gospel, they would not lavish their time as they do, they would not sleep in the Harvest, and waste the whole day in Idleness, and Sin until the night of death did overtake, and suddenly surprize them, when the least minute of time cannot be recalled; though they could and

would give ten thousand Worlds for it.

Fourthly, Unmercifulness to the poor was ano∣ther of Sodoms sins, which the Ungodly are charge∣able with here, and shall be charged with and con∣demned for, at the day of Christs appearance, Math. 25. 41, 42. It is no wonder that those who have no pitty on their own souls, should have their bowels shut up against the poor; that those who spend so much on their lusts, should not spare any thing for the relief of other's wants. None have more mar•…•…le bowels, than those who have the hard∣est hearts; and none more unmerciful than those which are most Ungodly and Sinful.

Fifthly, Abominable Filthiness is the last and chief Sin of the Sodomits. And if the skirts of England were turned up, what filthiness would there appear under them? It is a shame to speak what is done of some in secreet, yea too many de∣clare their uncleanness like Sodom, and are not a∣shamed to practice it in the sight of the Sun. Whore∣dom and Adultrey, what more common in this de∣bauched generation? Yea, I wish that too many in England, as well as Italy be not guilty of the Sin of Sodom, properly so called, I mean the lusting after strange flesh, such vile affections some are given up unto, through the just Judgement of God.

I might here further reprove the Ungodly of this generation, for some Sins which the Sodomits did fall short in; namely, the hideous Oaths and blas∣phemy of some profane wretches, who hereby b•…•…lch out their professed enmity against the God of Hea∣ven, and offer so open indignity unto him, that we may wonder he is not provoked to rain down Fire and Brimstone upon them, or to cause the

Earth to open its mouth to devour them, unto which I might add the aggravation, which the Sins of nominal Christians receive from the Gospel light, which shineth about them, beyond what the Sodomits Sins were capable of, which rendereth their Sins the more inexcusable and abominable in the sight of God: but I hasten

II. This example of Sodom's burning doth warn the ungodly to repent. Repent O all the ungodly ones, and turn from your evil ways, otherwise your iniquities like the Sodomits will be your ruine; otherwise Gods Judgement will overtake you, and surprize you, and you shall not be able to escape; otherwise you shall be destroyed suddenly, and that without remedy. You se•…•… in this instance the fruit of ungodlinesse, the wages of Sin, the bit∣ter issue and effect of flesh-pleasing and sensua∣lity, you see that God can be angry, and that his anger doth burn worse than fire, when it is kindled.

If you repent not, God may bring some dread∣full temporal judgements upon you, you have seen much in your days, Plague, Fire, Sword; you have heard of more in former days. You know not what further calamities may be brought upon this City and Nation; God may bring Plague and Famine together, so that such who do not fall suddenly by the Plague, shall be consumed more leasurely by the Famine; he may bring a Famine of Bread, and Famine of hearing the Word toge∣ther, wherein the Body shall starve and dye, and the Soul starve and be damn'd, and perish ever∣lastingly; he may bring Fire and the Sword toge∣ther, your houses may be set on Fire, and your

persons Massacred at the same time. And alas•…•… what will you (that are Ungodly) do in a time of ge∣neral calamity? if the Pestilence should walk a∣bout your streets, if the evil Arrows of Famine should fly about your ears, if fire should consume your houses, if the Sword should be made drunk with your Blood, if Death should sit in your Windows, if all things should be turned into up∣roar and confusion; you that drink in iniquity like Water, and lade your selves with guilt dayly▪ you that are profane and ungodly▪ and spend your time in idlenesse, and all kind of luxury, sleeping in the Harvest, and shutting your ears against all the tenders of grace and mercy, which are made un∣to you; what wi•…•…l become of you in the Winter of affliction? what comfort can you have upon a Bed of Sickness? what refuge in a time of trouble? A Godly Man hath his▪ God to fly to, in times of greatest danger and distress, and there he shall find entertainment and welcome; But whether will you fly? God is your enemy, who will laugh at your calamity, Prov. 1. 26. Sinners! what will you do in the evil day, which may overtake you here on Earth, when all refuge and support shall fail you, when your comforts and enjoyments shall be taken from you, or taking leave of you; when God shall smite you, and conscience bite you▪ and Friends forsake you; when the black Cata∣logue of your Sins shall be spread before you▪ and grimm Death shall appear unto you, bidding you come down into the Grave, and the Devil shall wait for you, to drag you down into Hell; O the confusion that then you will be in! when you

perceive that you cannot live, and you dare not dye; when you feel your eye strings crack, and your heart-strings break, and your souls are now coming forth of their ruinous habitation, where they will become a prey to Devils, and be imme∣diately conveyed to a place of torments; think, O think what your horrour is like to be here if a∣wakened in the evil day▪ through the apprehension of future Judgements? what then will your horrour •…•…e, if you do not repent, when the future and last Judgement is come, and Christ is come in flaming Fire, to take vengeance upon you, and he shall rain on you Fire and Brimstone, and a hor∣rible Tempest: but of this more, when I come to treat of the everlasting burnings of Hell, which the Lord Jesus will condemn all the Ungodly unto at the last day.

I shall only say, that the burnings of Hell will not only exceed the burnings of Sodom and Gomorrah in feirceness and duration (as through Gods help I shall show in the third discourse) but also the Fire of Hell will be more intollerable by you, than by the Sodomits themselves, (however vile Sinners they were) Math. 11. 24. But I say unto you that it shall be more tolerable for the Land of Sodom and Gomor∣rah in the day of Iudgement, than for thee. As your Sins, who have enjoyed the means of Grace, are aggravated beyond the Sins of the Sodomits in this respect: so your condemnation will be the greater, and your punishment the sorer and more intolera∣ble, if you do not now take warning to repent.

CHAP. IX. Application to the Righteous.

2 LOt's escaping out of the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, is an example for the encou∣ragement of the Righteous: what ever judgement the Lord bringeth upon the wicked and ungodly here, you that are righteous shall escape, God will hide you in the day of his anger; when a Deluge of Judgements shall break in upon the ungodly, God will provide an Ark for you; when God raineth a horrible Tempest of Fire and Brimstone upon the wicked, he will provide a Zoar for you. God will either keep you from the judgement it self which befalleth others, or else he will keep you in it, and from that fiery indignation, which is mingled with it; be sure you shall be kept from the horrible Tempest of Fire and Brimstone, which shall beat upon the head of the wicked at last, when the Heavens shall be on Fire, and pass away with a great noise, and the Elements shall be on Fire, and melt with fervent h•…•…at, and the Earth shall be on Fire, and all things here below in flames; when the wrath of the Sin-revenging God shall break forth like a Deluge upon the Ungodly World, and they shall be cast together into the Lake, which burneth with Fire and Brimstone; Heaven shall be you•…•… Ark, your Zoar, where you shall be in safety, and made happy in the full enjoyment of God unto 〈◊〉〈◊〉 eternity.

Away then with fear and dread, whatever the f•…•…owns and threatnings of men be, though 〈◊〉〈◊〉 o•…•…

the Ungodly may inveron you, though the wrath of wicked men like fire be kindled against you, yet being righteous you are safe, since God is for you, neither men nor Devils shall be permitted to do you real hurt: God is your dwelling place, and God is your hiding place, you are under his wing whilst you remain here, and you shall hereafter lye in his bosom for ever.