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 Earth, in the burning of Aetna, or Mount Gibel.

CHAP. I▪ The Introduction.

THe History of Sodom and Gomorrah's flames and destruction by Fire and Brimstone from Heaven may seem incredible unto some, who either are ignorant of the Infinite Power of God, whereby he can do whatever he pleaseth, as evidently ap∣peareth in the mighty works thereof, which could not be effected without the hand of Omnipoten∣cy; and know not how feirce and hot his anger is, which burneth in his breast against Sinners, espe∣cially such Sinners as the Sodomits were, which would quickly put the whole world into flames, did not his infinite Patience restrain it for a while from breaking forth in it's rage and fury: or wh•…•… give no credit unto the Divine Authority of the Scrip∣tures▪ (of whom there are too many in our age and Nation,) which doth relate this judgement on those wicked Cities; which however, being indeed

the Word of God, (as might be proved by many unaswerable Arguments,) the record of them is undoubtedly true, and may as firmly be believed, as any thing may certainly be known, which is the object of sence, or demonstrable by reason: Even as the future flames of Fire and Brimstone in Hell are discredited by such Atheists, and Antiscriptu∣rists, and little effectually believed of the most, as appeareth by their secure walking in the broad way of Sin, which leadeth to this place of most dreadful and eternal burning:

Therefore by way of Appendix unto Sodom's burning, and by way of Introduction unto the burning of Hell, I shall treat of Aetna, or Mount Gibel's burning with Fire and Brimstone out of the bowels of the Earth; especially in the eruption of it the last year; which being a thing so late, and so n•…•…ar, and so attested by eye-witniss, and so easily disproved, yet not disproved, as it would have been by this time, had it been false; I suppose will find credit with the most, and may be of greater use than hath as yet been made of it, from the relation we have had so barely of the thing without any mention made of the name of God, or his hand, or the end which he may have in such wonderful and stupendous burnings.

It is from the soul that the body hath it's life and motion, it's beauty and lustre, when the soul is separated, the body becomes a carkasse breathless, lifeless, gha•…•…y, and subject to putrefaction: The whole world is full of God: Praesentem{que} refert quae∣libet herba Deum, every pile of Grasse, yea the meanest thing which is the object of our eye, or any 〈◊〉〈◊〉 doth carry an Impr•…•…sse of God; especially

the greater works of Creation and Providence do bare large characters of the Deity, and have Praise unto the Lord, written more legibly upon them: and although God be not the Soul of the World as some have affirm'd; yet the whole Creation hath it's beauty from him, and so far are any work truly ad∣mirable and great, as God is taken notice of in them. The Sun, Moon, and Stars, and the whole frame of the Heavens, are most great and illustrious, as by their brightness and motion they declare the glory of the Lord their maker and ruler. The Earth and Sea, and all things in both, as they set forth Gods infinite power and wisdom and goodness, so far they are most worthy our observation and ad∣miration. All the good things we receive, are one∣ly so far truly good, to us, as we perceive them handed to us by God; and Gods hand in affli∣ctions also doth sweeten them to us, when we are perswaded of the Author, and God's love and de∣sign for our good in them. To leave out God there∣fore in the consideration of any work, is to leave out that which is chiefly remarkable; without him we see but the carkasse without the Soul, with∣out the the life and beauty.

The design therefore of this Treatise concerning Aetna's late burning is to turn our eye upward to∣wards God, that we take notice of him, and give him the glory of this work, which is the wonder of all, unto whom the notice thereof hath come.

There are six things under this subject, which •…•…. shall briefly creat of.

• First, Concerning the Mountain of Aetna or Gibel in the general.
• ...

• Secondly, Concerning the Antecedents of the late Eruption of this Mountain.
• Thirdly, Corcerning the eruption of Fire and Brimstone it self from the Mountain.
• Fourthly, Concerning the concomitants of this eruption.
• Fifthly, Concerning the cause of this eruption.
• Sixthly, And lastly, concerning the use and im∣provement, which we should make of it.

CHAP. II. Concerning the Mountain of Aetna or Gibel in the general.

AETna is a Mountain in the Island of Sicily, which Island is inviron'd round by the Tyr∣•…•… Sea, but a small distance from Italy, in one part of it, up to which ancient Writers think it was joyned by an 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or neck of Land, (like as Pelep•…•…sus to Greece) unto the continent of Italy, but by the violent beating of the Sea upon that neck was devided asunder 〈◊〉〈◊〉 i•…•…, so Iustin. lib. 4. cap. 1. and others are of the s•…•…me mind. The heigth and bigness of this Aetna or Mount G•…•…b. is very great: some 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it to be ten 〈◊〉〈◊〉, others fifteen m•…•…les distant from the head and top above, to the foot and plain 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…nd perpendicular in a strait line to be three or four miles. Towards it's head it is rocky and steep, and some part of it is always co∣vered with Snow; towards the middle it is beauti∣fyed with Trees and Woods, towards the bottom it is enriched with Corn and Vines, and exceeding

fruitful. The Hill hath two shoulders Eastward, and between both an eminent head in the middle, which may be seen at the distance of fifty leagues (as some affirm) by Sailors on the Sea. But that which hath rendered this Mountain most famous, hath not been so much the height and bigness of it, as the smoking head and flaming mouth thereof, of which both ancient and modern Authors have written. I shall instance in some few.

D•…•…genes Laertius in his 8th. Book de viris Philo∣sephorum maketh mention of Mou•…•…t Aetna; into the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 mouth of which Em•…•…edocles the Philoso∣pher (he sai•…•…) was •…•…am'd to have thrown himself, that not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 found by his companions, they might think he was translated to Heaven, and made an immortal God; but the Fire of the Hill casting forth one of his br•…•…zen San•…•…ls, the d•…•…ceit was dis∣covered, and so instea•…•… of purchasing to himself the repute of a God, he discovered himself in that re∣spect to be beneath a man.

Hora•…•…e also recordeth the same, lib. de Arte l'•…•…e∣tica.

—Deus immortalis hal eri Dum cupit Empedocles ardentem frigidus Aetnam Insiluit.—

Empedocles, himself into the mouth doth thr•…•…w Of burning Aetna, that not being found below He might be fam'd a God immortal.—

Pliny in his second Book of natural History doth discourse of this Hill. In montium 〈…〉〈…〉 Aetna noctibus semper, tantoque aevo ignium materiae sufficit. Amongst the miracles of Mountains Aetna doth flame always by night, and doth afford matter for perpetual fire.

Iustins in his 4th. Book of History Chap. 1st. giveth the reason why Aetnae Montis per tot secula durat incendium, the burning of Mount Aetna hath lasted for so many ages.

Strabo in his sixth Book of Geography telleth us of Aetna's open mouth, whereby it doth breath forth flames, and cast forth fiery stones.

Ovid concerning Aetna saith:

Flammam fero vomit ore.

It vomits fire out of it's feirce mouth. Seneca in his Thyestes describeth Aetna

Ignis aeternis res•…•…nans caminis.

Resounding with eternal tunnels, or breathing holes of fire.

Claudian de raptu Proserpinae lib. 1. Aetnaeos api•…•…s sols cognoscere visu Non aditu tentare licet—

Quae tanta cavernas

Vis glomerat, quo fonteruat Vulcanius igni•…•….

None may approach Mount Aetna's head to know With foot, 'tis only reacht with th'eye below. Great force within round caverns makes From whence rush forth Vulcanian flakes Of fire, as from a Fountain—

But Virgil giveth the most notable decription of Aetna's burning in his third Book of Aeneids.

—Sed horrificis juxta tonat Aetna ruinis; Int•…•…rdumque atram prorumpit ad aether a nubem, Turbine fumantem piceo, & candente favilla: Attollitque globos slammarum, & sidera lambit. Interdum scopulos, avulsaque viscera montis Erigit eructans, liquefactaque saxa per aur as Cum gemitu glomer at, fundoque exaestuat imo. Fama est, Enceladi semustum ful•…•…ine corpus

Urgeri mole hâc, ingentemque insuper Aetnam Impositam, ruptis flammam expirare caminis; Et fessum quoties mutat latus intremere omnem Murmure Trinacriam, & caelum subtexere fumo.

In English thus:

Through horrid falls within, like noise of thunde•…•…, Mount Aetna sounds as if 'twould break asunder. Thence first a cloud break forth as black as night, With pitchy curls, with sparks like stars to sight. Then follow globes of flames, which mount a loft, As if to kisse the Orbes of Heaven they sought. The bottom-fire like boiling furnace glowes, Which melts the hardest stones, and upward throwes Great Rocks through th'air with groans. The fame doth go That great Enceladus do lye below Who being thunder-struck, and on him thrown Huge Aetna Mount, with weight to keep him down; When weary he shifts sides, and turns about. He shakes the Mount, his breath in flames goes out As at a Furnace mouth, the Heavens above Are cloth'd with smoak. Trinacria trembles—

I shall add but one Author more, and that is of a late Geographer, namely Varenius, who in his first Book of Geography, page 105. doth both describe this Mount, and giveth relation of one no•…•…able eruption of fire not much above a hundred years since.

Celeberrimus est Aetna Siciliae Mons, hodie Gibel, e cujus vertice flammae & fumi longissima distantia in

Mari Mediterraneo cernuntur. Etsi continua sit flammarum & fumor•…•…m ejaculatio, tamen interdum majori impetu furit▪ Anno 1537▪ a primo die Maii ad duodecimum tremuit 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sicilia; deinde ingens & horrendus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 & fragor auditus est, quasi magna tormenta bellica exploder•…•…tur, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 est multorum aedificiorum per totam insul•…•…m 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Hae•…•… sae•…•…itia per undecim dies cum conti•…•…nasset, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fuit, vel hia∣tu se ap•…•…ruit hic ind•…•… terra, un•…•… magna vis s•…•…amma & ig•…•…is pr•…•…rupit, qu•…•… intra quatuor dies omnia ab∣sumpta sunt & 〈◊〉〈◊〉, quae 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ultra quinque leuca∣rum distantia•…•… ab Aetna aberant. P•…•…lo p•…•…st crater qui est in vertice montis per tres int•…•…gros dies ingentem copiam Fa•…•…illae & •…•…inerum ejecit, quae non tantum per totam in•…•…ulam aispersa fuit, sed etiam trans Mare in Italiam dela•…•…: & Naves in Mari cum ducentis leucis a Sicilia abessent, & Venetias tenderent dam∣num passae sunt. That is

Aetna in Sicily, now called Mount Gibel is most famous, from whose top the flames and smoak may be seen at a very great distance on the Mediterrane∣an Sea; and although the casting forth of fire and smoak be continual, yet sometimes it breatheth forth with more force and fury. In the year 1537. from the first day of May until the 12th. the whole Island of Sicily trembled, and then was heard a great roaring and cracking noise, as if great pieces of Ordinance had been discharged; after this fol∣lowed the ruine and overthrow of many buildings thorowout t•…•…e whole Island. This raging conti∣nued for eleven whole days together, in which time the Earth [on the side of the Mount] was rent, and opened it self in wide clefts; from whence did issue forth flames of fire with such force and strength

that all things within 15. miles of Aetna were thereby consumed and burnt up. A little after the Cup which is on the top of the Mount for three whole days together did cast forth such a large quantity of burning coals and ashes, that they were dispersed not only throughout the whole Island, but they were also carried over Sea into Italy, yea some Ships two hundred leagues from Sicily received da∣mage hereby in their voyage to Venice. Thus Va∣renius.

There have been other great eruptions of fire from this Mountain besides what is ordinary, which Writters record, but none that I ever read of like unto this last, of which the account followeth.

CHAP. III. Concerning the Antecedents of the late eruption of Mount Aetna.

IT was on Fryday night the eight of March 166•…•…. that a great noise and roaring was heard from the bowels and mouth of Mount Aet∣na, which sounded far and near, more loud and dreadful than that of great Guns, in the Camps or Ships of enemies; the roaring of the Sea in a storm when it lifteth up its Waves on high, and dasheth them with violence upon great Rocks, and lofty Shoars was nothing in comparison; and it may be questioned whether the loud cracks of thunder, when with the greatest fiercenesse it breaketh thorow the thickest cloud, did ever sound so terribly (although this hath some time caused great men full

of guilt to run under their beds for fear) as this roar∣ing and bellowing of Mount Aetna did that night: which, being in the silent night, when all things were hush, and other noises asleep, was heard with the greater plainnesse and astonishment.

This awakened the Inhabitants of Catania, a City fifteen miles distant from the Mount, especially those who lived upon the Borders and sides thereof, whereby they were surprized with great fear, possi∣bly much as the wicked world shall be, when they shall hear the sound of the last Trumpet, summon∣ing them to Judgement.

The roaring of the Mountain was accompained at the same time, with a shaking and trembling of the Earth, which must needs add to the trembling and horrour of the people who dwelt there about. The City of Catania it self did feel the earth quake, the houses whereof sho•…•…k so and danced, as if they would immediately have tumbled from their foun∣dations: But the Earth-quake was most violent in the Countreys and Villages nearer unto, and upon the sides of the Mountain, where there was such a shaking and concussion, that people could not stand upon their legs without holding one by the other, but reeled and staggered too and fro, as if they had been overcome with Drink; and the houses of many were so cleft and torn, that first shaking out their Inhabitants, who with all speed hastned out of them, they quickly tumbled to the ground. The whole Town of Nicolosi was utterly ruin'd by the Earth-quake, the Towns of Padara and Tre-Castager were the greatest part of them ruin'd and destroyed.

The sight of such ruines before the eye, the feeling

such motions and shakings under the feet, the found of such roarings from the Mountain in the ear, surely did strike those people with more ter∣rour and amazement, than was upon the Inhabi∣tants of London, when their houses were in flames before them, and they forced to seek their lodgings in the Fields.

Besides this, the, fear of these perplexed people was encreased when they saw the ground to cleave in several places about them, and the Earth to open its mouth as if it would have devoured them, as for∣merly the Rebellions Corah, Dathan, and Abiram were swallowed up. This put them upon the wing to fly with all hast from those parts, who in great amazement, with hair standing an end, joints trem∣bling, distracted looks, hardly able to speak, brought the tidings of these things to the City of Cantania.

CHAP. IV. Concerning the Eruption it self of Fire and Brimstone from Mount Aetna.

AFter warning given by the voice of the Mountain, and the shaking of the Earth un∣to people to fly from that place of danger and threat•…•…d ruine; on Munday the 11th. of March, there were three great eruptions on the side of the Mountain, besides the smoke and flames which is∣sued forth of the mouth at the top thereof: the breaches and clefts of the Earth were a half of a mile in compasse (as afterwards g•…•…sed) out of which an horrible burning flood 〈◊〉〈◊〉 come forth,

and more fiercely than any floods of Water could do, ran down the sides of the Mount. It was the fire contained before within the bowels of the Mountain too big and great to vent it self at the top, that forced it's way thorow the sides, and making doors for it self, brak forth with such noise and rage as was terrible to hear and behold.

This fire in its first vent, folding it self in great flames as if more than a thousand houses had been burning together, mounted up towards Heaven not lesse (as was judged) than a hundred Yards in height; which was accompained with such a roar∣ing noise, far beyond what was heard before at the mouth of the Hill, like as if more than a thou∣sand Canons or great pieces of Ordinance had been at once discharged; and there withall vast stones were shot forth, some of them three hundred pound weight, which were mounted aloft very high in the Air, and with great force were thrown many miles from the place: this grew into a furious Tempest, not of Rain or Hail, but which was far more dreadful, of burning coals and ashes, and suffocating smoke which beat down upon the Countrey all a∣bout, something like that rain of Fire and Brim∣stone, which fell upon Sodom.

But that which was most notable in these erupti∣ons, was the stream and flood of fire, which in li∣qued melted matter, gushed forth at the breaches. We read Isa. 30. 33. Of a stream of Brimstone kindled by the breath of God, which runneth in burning Tophet: Such was the stream of Fire and Brimstone which came forth of this burning Moun∣tain, the flames of it were blew like burning brim∣stone, the coulour of it fiery red, like melted brasse,

the motion of it like Quick-silver; this stream (wherein great stones were seem to swim of the big∣ness of an ordinary Table) coming forth at the sides of the Mountain, ran down like a mighty torrent, and meeting with a Hill devided it self into two currents, which spread themselves, one of them in some places at least six miles in breadth, and was judged to be fifteen yards in depth. In its progresse this stream ran in, upon a Lake of four fathem Wa∣ter, and four miles in compass, which it both filled up, and raised a Hill of ragged Stones and Rocks upon it. The composition of this fiery stream was judged to be Sulphur, Nitre, Sal Armoniac, Lead, Iron, Brass, and other Metals, melted with the ve∣hement heat of the fire.

We have read of a Deluge and Flood of Waters, which drowned the old World; and other lesser inundations which have drowned particular places; but I know not any History, which giveth relation of a Deluge and Flood of fire, such as this, which de∣voured and destroyed whatever lay in it's way.

The late relation telleth us that wheresoever it passed, it left large heaps of it's congealed matter, with which it covered and burnt the Earth, melt∣ing the Walls of Castles and Houses, throwing down all before it, nothing being found able to resist it's force, or quench it's burning, Water being observed rather to add to it's fury: Where ever it hath passed, it hath left dreadful marks behind it, levelling some Hills, and raising others; so much changing the scituation, that not the least trace of any place or Town, which was in it's way, remains, nothing being to be seen, but con∣fused heaps of ragged stones, which yeilding a

noisom fume strick terrour and astonishment in all that behold it.

The first breaking forth of this burning Flood of Fire, was on the Munday t•…•…e 11th. of March, which in it's progress devided it self into several lesser streams, and filled the whole Countrey there∣bout with Fire and Brimstone, in many places where these streams did come great flames were seen to a∣rise together, with thick smoke as from the mo•…•…ths of so many great Furnaces.

After the Flood of Fire was come down the Mountain, and towards the foot, which is not so steep, it did not move, with that swiftness as be∣fore; yet nothing could divert it's course, but it overturned and consumed all where ever it came. The first streams continued their course for twelve days together, and after hopes that the fury was now spent on Fryday the 22d. of March the Mountain Aetna roared and thundered, smoked and flamed again most hideously at the mouth, shook & trembled throughout most dreadfully un∣to the very foundations, and cast forth such heaps of scinders stones and ragged Rocks out of it's bo∣som and bowels, at those breaches before made in it's sides, that they grew together and were raised into two large and high Hills, and this acccompa∣nied with another stream of it's liquid melted mat∣ter, which overtook the former currents, and thrust them forward with great fury.

But on the 25th. of March the Mountain bel∣lowed with a greater noise than ever before, and was shaken with such violence and force, that a large part of the head and top fell into the breast a•…•…d bowels, and that the depth of half a mi•…•…e as some

do judge. And then issued forth fiery streams in so great abundance, that joyning forces with the former, they made great havock and desolation, de∣stroying the habitations of no lesse than seven and twenty thousand persons: the Towns of La Guar∣dia, Malpassa, Campo Rotundo, La Potielli, Antoni∣no, Pietro, Mosterbianco, Monpileri, Falicchi, Placchi, were wholy consum'd and ruin'd: Yea, the Image of the blessed Lady of the Annunciata, (•…•…o highly re∣verenced by the Superstitious Papists, unto which many resorted in Pilgrimage from remote parts) was not spared, whatever power the Intercession of that Virgin Lady hath with her Son in Heaven, for persons here upon the Earth, (as the Papists ri∣diculously fancy) yet nothing could now avail to secure her Image from being swallowed up by this devouring fiery stream; whereby all may see that there was no difference between the stones of that Image, and those of the other buildings in that place which equally felt the fo•…•…ce of the fire. Other places were ruin'd in part, as Ma•…•…calucia, Giovanni de Galermo, with many other, and at length the burning streams do approach near unto Gates and Walls of the City Calania, in their course destroy∣ing Fields, Gardens, Orchards, and Vineards about it; which filled the Inhabitants with such fear, that far the greatest part of them removed themselves and their goods out of the City. Yet what ever the danger and fear was, the Lord preserved the City from being swallowed up by these devouring streams; part of these streams were congealed on the Land, one of them emptied it self under the Wals of the Castle into the Sea in four fathom Water: which held it's current in the Sea two

fathom high above it, and to the astonishment of all spectatours, burned in the Sea it self for a great while, and making progress into the Sea a mile in length, and a mile in bredth, was not quenched by the water of the Sea, until having spent it self, it did of it self congeal.

CHAP. V. Concerning the Concomitants of the Eruption and burning of Aetna.

WHilst the Mountain of Aetna or Gibel did thus vomit flames of fire at the top, and streams of fire at the side, accompained with such horrid noise and cracking in the Air, such dreadful trembling and shaking of the Earth; other things also were very observable at the same time; such as the swelling of the Sea unto a great and unaccustom∣ed height, with great raging and roaring Waves, the Floods of Water did seem to lift up their heads to see this dreadful spectacle of the Floods of fire, and the Waves of the Sea did lift their voice in great tumult, as being amazed at the horrid aspect of the Waves and Streams of Flames and Brimstone.

The Winds also, which raised this Tempest in the Sea, were high, having broken loose from their ha∣bitation, and with great noise and blustring whirl∣ed about the Land, in fierce blasts beating upon the houses and unsheltred people in the Fields, as if they would contend for force with the raging and irresi∣stable fire.

The Clouds were gathered thick in the Sky, and arrayed the Heavens with black attire, hiding the

comfortable and refreshing beams of the Sun, from the sight which if sometimes it deed peep thorow the Clouds, it was with a pale countenance, as if it had been struck with fear, and dared not to appear in such a dismal place.

Storms of rain often powred down from the Clouds, which seemed in compassion to weep, to weep Floods of tears, endeavouring thereby to con∣tribute some help for the extinguishing of the flames; but all the Rain which fell was so far from quenching or allaying, that it did but the more en∣crease and exasperate the fury of the Fire, which hereby burned so much the more feircely.

In the City there was danger of the Houses over∣throw by the Winds and Earth-quak, or their be∣ing devoured and swallowed up by the Deluge of Fire: In the Fields and Countreys there was dan∣ger of being destroyed by Thieves and Robbers, who took advantage of the peoples confusions to set upon them, murdering many, and spoiling them of their choicest things, which they had saved out of their ruin'd houses.

Great was the dread and terrour, which now did possess the hearts of the people; Our Saviour fore∣tells, Luke 21. 25, 26. That on Earth there should be distresse of Nations with perplexity, the Sea and the Waves roaring, and men•…•… hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things, which are coming upon the Earth. Such was the distresse and perplexity of these people.

It is said in the Rela∣tion, That people ran with cryes and lamenta∣tions about the City and Countrey, expecting nothing but to be swallowed up, or consumed by the Fire, having no other apprehensions bu•…•…

of death, and a general Conflagration.

Had the Christian religion taken place there in the purity and power thereof, it might have born up the spirits of the sincere, and established Christians against overwhelming fear and amazement in all those storms and danger; If of the vertuous Man much more may it be said of the truely Religions. Si fracitus illabatur orbis impavidum ferient ruinae, though the frame of the Earth and World should crack and be dissolved, yet such a one would be undaunted under it's ruines; such, when the Moun∣tain was dissolved and did melt with fervent heat into Floods of burning Fire, might look upon Death, (the utmost the fire could bring upon them) with an unappaled countenance; yea, with great considence and comfort, because of their well∣grounded hopes▪ of rest and happiness in Heaven, whose habitation prepared for them there is bey∣ond the reach of any Earthly Fire to consume.

But no wonder if the blind Superstitious Papists, whose worship is mingled with such vanity and Indolatry, be filled with such dread and horrour, especially the more notorious Sinners amongst them: surely the consciences of the most are now awkened, the stings and lashes whereof (no doubt) above all other things did at this time encrease their terrour.

But what course do they take for the diverting Gods anger, which so visibly did break sorth in these Flames and Fire from the burning Mountain, and for the prevention of the threatned ruine? they do not betake themselves to their knees, to Fasting and Prayer in any way of Gods prescribing; they do not apply themselves by Faith unto the Blood of

Christ, to appease the wrath of the angry God No.

The Relation telleth us that The Religious appeared every where with much devotion, car∣rying in Procession their Reliques, especially those of St. Agatha, the famous Martyr of Cata∣nia, in which they reposed no small confidence, followed by a great multitude of people, mortify∣ing themselves with Whips, and other signs of penance.

And at another time. The Bishop of the place followed by the Clergy, Secular, and Regular, and an infinite number of the people went in solemn Procession out of the City of Catania unto Monte de St. Sophia, carrying out with greatest Devotion, their choicest Reliques, and upon an Altar, erected in view of the Moun∣tain exposed them, where they celebrated Masse, and used exorcismes accustomed upon such extra∣ordinary occasions.

Thus blind and sottishly Superstitions these peo∣ple are; But is the anger of the Lord hereby ap∣peased? No, it is so much the more encreased, and they cannot charm the noise and flames of the Mountain with all their Exorcismes. But all the while they continue in their Superstitious exercices.

It is said, The Moantain ceased not as before with excessive roaring to throw up it's smoke and flames with extraordinary violence, and abun∣dance of great stones were carried thorow the air, some of them falling within their view, though as ten miles distant from the eruption.

This was an open rebuke of them for their Superstition •…•…o odious and abominable in the •…•…ight of God.

CHAP. VI. Concerning the cause of the Eruption of Mount Aetna.

THe Supreme cause of the flames and fiery streams, which brake forth from the Bowels of Mount Aetna, was the Lord, who is not only Ens Entium, the Being of Beings; but also Causa Causarum, the Cause of Causes; whatever was the second, God was the first cause all the works of Nature in the World, being effected by him who is the God of Nature, in and by him every thing hath as it's being, so also it's vertue and operation. It is said, Iob 9. 10. He doth great things past finding out, yea and wonders without number; amongst the Mirabilia Dei, the wonderful works of God, this is none of the least; In Miracles God doth work more immediately, and in wonders God doth work more remarkably than in ordinary works. Moreover this Eruption of Fire, which made such a dreadful devastation of houses carried with it the plain face of a Judgement, and every judgement it is from God, as the Judge of the World; God is in no wise the Author of Sin, but he is the Author of all penal evil: the anger of the Lord did not on∣ly smoke, but break forth into a Flame; it was the breath of the Lord that did kindle this Stream, which overturned and swallowed up so many Ha∣bitations.

And surely, the Inhabitants of the place had been blowing up the Coals of Gods anger before by their Sins; It was not without cause from them∣selves

that this judgement was brought upon them. The distance of this Place from Rome is but little, and the difference between them in Idolatry, and all sort of wickedness is reported to be lesse; Sicily hath drunk deep of the Cup of Fornication, which is in the hand of the Romish Whore, and God made some of them drink something of the Cup of his Wrath and Indignation: yea, Sodomy it self is of frequent practice in those parts, and God brings ruine like unto that of Sodom upon their houses by Streams of Fire and Brimstone, though through infinite patience their persons were preserved.

The cause under God of these dreadful Eruptions was the Fire in the Bowels of the Mountain, which meeting with a large quantity of combustible mat∣ter and kindling it, could not be contained in so streight room, but with such noise and violence brake forth in such flames and streams at the mouth and sides.

When this Fire was first kindled is not known, the burning of the Mountain being more ancient than any History can remember. What the Poets feign concerning the War of the Gyants with the Gods and their casting down great Enceladus with Thunder, and keeping him down with vast Moun∣tains, and this of Aetna being thrown upon his head, that this Fire was kindled by his hot breath, is as ridiculous, as it is fabulous.

Some are of the opinion that there are Fountains of Fire under ground as well as of Water; and that in the bosom and bowels of the Earth, God hath layd up Treasures of this Element, enclosing it in vast Caverns, as in so many Store-houses; which Subterranean Fire they assign to be the cause of hot

Bathes, and that Mount Aetna, as also Vesuvius with other flaming Mountains, which Geographers and Travellers tell us are to be seen in all the parts of the World, are the breathing holes of this Fire: but the Scripture is wholly silent of any such work of God there; we read of the Earth, and the gather∣ing together of the waters, and the Fountains of the great deep, but nothing of any Fountains of Fire mingled with either of these Elements; and the laying up of this Element in store, in a place so low, when naturally it tendeth upwards, is not easie to conceive; besides who ever hath descended into the depths of the Earth, to search and find out these depths of Fire?

Iustin giveth other reasons of this Fire, Lib. 4. Ca•…•…. 1. Est antem terra tennis & fragilis, cavernis quibusdam▪ fistulisque ita penetrabilis, ut ventorum to∣ta ferme flatibus pateat; nec non & ignibus generan∣d•…•…s, n•…•…triendisque soli ipsius naturalis materia: quippe intrinsecus stratum sulphure & bitumine traditur: quae res facit ut spiritu cum igne inter interior a luctan∣te, frequenter & compluribus l•…•…cis nunc flammas, nunc vaporem, nunc •…•…umum eructet. Indo denique Aetnae montis per tot socula durat incendium. The meaning in brief is this, The earth in that place being so thin and hollow, and penetrable by the Winds and the nature of the soil so Sulphurious, and so fit matter for the begetting and nourishing of Fire, the mo∣tion of the Wind closed in, doth kindle the Fire which bel•…•…heth forth in smoke and flames, and hence it is that the burning of Aetna hath endured for so many ages. Unto which he addeth a little after, speaking of the fall of the Waters. Eade•…•… caus•…•… etiam Aetnae Montis •…•…erpetuos ignes f•…•…cit;

Nam aquarum ille con•…•…ursus, r•…•…tum secum spiritum in imum sundum trahit, atq•…•…e ibi suffecat•…•… tam∣diutenet, donec per spiramenta Terrae diff•…•…sus nutri∣menta ignis incendat. The cause of Aetna's perpe∣tual Fire is from the great and perpetual fall of the Water, near at hand which carryeth down the Wind and Air, and suffo•…•…ateth it at the bottom, whence it breatheth away through some crevices of the Earth, towards the Mountain, and this kind∣leth and bloweth up the Flames.

Another assigneth the cause more clearly thus: •…•… tnam constat ab •…•…a parte qua Eurus & Affricus flant, habere speluncas, & plenas Sulphuris, & ad Mare deduct as: Haespeluncae recipientes in se fl•…•…ctus ventum creant, qui agitatus ignem gignit ex Sulphu∣res. Mount Aetna, saith he, that way which the East and South wind do blow, hath Caverns and Vaults full of Sulphur, which reach so far as the S•…•…a, which Vaults receiving into them the Waves of the Sea, Wind is begot hereby, which Winds being violently moved doth beget the Fire out of the Sul∣phur, and therefore afterward he telleth us, that as the East and South Wind do blow so this Moun∣tain doth more on lesser vomit up sparks and fire.

Lucretius, Lib. 6. doth set forth the cause,

—Primum totius subcava Montis Est natura fere, •…•…ilicum suffulta cavernis: Omnibus est porro in spelu•…•…eis ventus & are, &c.

The Mountain Aetna hollow is throughout, With stones of Flint it's Cave are lin'd about, Whereby it is held up; The wind is there In every Cave begot by moved Air▪ Through motion heat's engender'd i•…•… the Earth; Thence fire springs forth, and flames have birth.

Besides; against the Mountain's Roots the Main Break her swoln Waves and swallow them again; From whence unto the top of it's ascent The undermining Caves have their extent Through which the Bellows breath, and cast forth flames With showers of stones ashes.— Thus concerning the cause of Aetna's burning, which as to the second cause, may rather be guessed at then fully understood.

CHAP. VII. The Use of the Burning of Aetna.

THese late dreadful Eruption of Fire and Brimstone from Mount Aetna, should car∣ry our eyes upward unto God the Author hereof. The Lord hath been lately upon the Earth, he hath shown himself in great Majesty; a Fire hath devoured before him, and it hath been very tempestuous round about; a smoke hath gone out of his mouth and Coals have been under his feet; he hath clothed himself with flames, and of late ap∣peared very terribly in these Europaean parts; he hath not only kindled fires in houses and Cities, turning them into ashes and ruinous heaps, but he hath also kindled a fire in a great Mountain, which hath broken forth with a great flame. We read Psal. 27. The voice of the Lord is powerful, and full of Majesty; the voice of the Lord is upon the Waters, the God of Glory thun•…•…reth, the voice of the Lord•…•… upon many Waters; the voice of the Lord shaketh the Wilderness, and maketh Lebanon to Ship like a young

Unicorn. Such Majesty and Power hath been in Gods voice, which was heard from this Mount; the voice of the Lord hath sounded from the Earth, the God of Glory hath thundered out of the bowels of a great Mountain, whereby the foun∣dations thereof have been so shaken, as if he would have overturned it in his anger. Formerly the Lord brought forth streams of Water out of the hard Rock, and lately he hath brought forth streams of Fire out of the deep Earth. This is the Lord's do∣ing, and it should be marvellous in our eyes; If we wonder at the work, let us wonder more at the Worker; if we admire to hear of such floods of fire, we have more reason to admire Gods infinite Power who hath effected this.

Use 2. The Relation of Aetna's burning should awaken impenitent Sinners out of their carnal secu∣rity, whilst they consider the hand of God herein, and that this God who kindled such a Fire in the Mountain, is highly incensed against them, so long as they allow and indulge themselves in any Sinful practices; and that the Fire of Gods anger which is kindled in his breast against them, is ten thou∣sand times more dreadful, than the Fire which was kindled in the bowels of the Mountain, yea that God is preparing the Fire of Hell for them, which shall burn them everlastingly, if they do not repent; that God who hath power to kindle a Fire in the Earth, hath power to kindle the Fire of Hell, and he that hath power to keep alive the fire of this mountain for some thousands of years, hath power to keep alive the Fire of Hell unto Eternity, this he can do, and this he will do, and oh how fearful a thing will it be, to be thrown into everlasting

flames! (of which more largely in the next dis∣course.) Awake then all ye Sons and Daughters of sleep and security, ye children of night and darkness, and all ye workers of iniquity!

Look up and see how powerful and terrible the Lord is, and how unable you are to make resistance, when once his hand shall take hold on vengeance; Gods anger now doth but smoke against you, ere long it will break forth into a flame, which will burn to the lowest Hell, and never shall be extin∣guished.

Let me therefore perswade you to break off your Sins by repentance, and apply your selves to Christ by Faith, that the anger of the Lord towards you may b•…•… appeased, and that being reconciled, you may escape the dreadful effects of his displeasure.

CHAP. VIII. Concerning the burning of London that may be.

Use. 3. THe Relation of Aetna's burning, should lead us unto the considera∣tion of the Burnings which may be, and the Burnings which will be.

First, Consider the Burnings which may be: our dear and beloved City of London may be burnt a∣gain with fire, and that not only •…•…he Suburbs and Southwark, and remaining Timber houses, which the last Fire spared; but also the New-built Houses of Brick, many of them have been tryed that they can burn, for no Building on Earth is a sufficient de∣fence against Fire; I don't think we are in danger of any such Fire as that of Aetna, to break forth

from under our feet out of the bowels of the Earth; but we may be in danger of a Fire Forged in Hell, I mean some Develish wicked men may be contri∣ving again the burning of the City. It is not long since this our flourishing City was laid wast by de∣vouring flames.

The Depositions given before Magistrates▪ con∣cerning the hands of the Papists set on work herein, are not forgotten; the principles of the Papists, which will allow them to murder Princes, blow up Parliaments, Massacre people, burn Cities, if they be Hereticks as they call them, are not altered. The attempts of late to set houses in the City on Fire in several places, have been made evident, and I wish that there be no cursed design now on foot, amongst such vile persons, to burn our City, and Massacre our persons together; it is not amiss for us to think what may be; the may be of a house's falling down upon our head in the street, and being crushed thereby to pieces, (as some have been)▪ should put us upon continual preparation for death, and much more when we are in danger of death ma∣ny other ways. If you should hear a cry at Mid∣night, the Papists are come, that Fire-balls are fly∣ing about the street, that Fires are kindled in seve∣ral parts of the City at the same time, and that bloody cut throats stand ready to Butcher a naked people, as they come forth of burning Houses with their goods. If you should hear the groans and shreeks of your Neighbours, whilst they are cruelly Massacred by the hands of merciless villains, and when they approach your doors, and you see no way of escaping, but inevitable '•…•…ath is before you; if you should then be found unprepared for death,

when you have no time to prepare, how would you be surprized? how would you be affrighted? It is good to provide for the worst, that when ever death doth appear, in whatever shape it may not prove a King of Terrours. How happy are those who have made their Peace with God, when some men will not be at peace with them? how little reason have those to fear the wrath of any here, who are delivered from the wrath to come? how safe is that treasure, which is laid up in Heaven, far beyond the reach of Thief or Rust or Flames of Fire? get clear evidence of these things; if you be delivered out of the snare of the Devil, you need not be affraid of the snares of Men; if you be not in danger of Hell, ye need not be affraid of Death; if you have well-grounded hopes, to escape everlasting flames, and to attain evealasting joys through your Intrest in Christ and his purchase, you may smile at the flames of your Houses, and laugh at destruction when it cometh. But I hope (if there be such a design which I nei∣ther do, nor can affirm) that the Lord will prevent the effusion of our Blood and Destruction of our City, which too many may desire▪ and that if ever they should attempt such a Massacre as in Pa∣ris, or Ireland, and to mingle our Blood and Fire together, that the Lord will so spirit all true Pro∣testants and Englishman, to stand up so in their own defence, which the Law of God and Nature will allow, as by them to bring that Destruction upon themselves, which they may endeavour against against all Justice and Law, to bring upon Gods people.

Secondly, Aetna's burning should lead us to the consideration of the Burnings which will be: There

are three great burnings, that certainly will be.

• 1. The Burning of Rome.
• 2. The Burning of the World.
• 3. The Burning of Hell.

CHAP. IX. Concerning the burning of Rome.

First, WE may be minded hereby of the Burning of Rome, which certainly will be, of which this Eruption of Aetna so near may be a Prognostick and Fore-runner; it being of common observation amongst them that the ex∣traordinary eruptions of this Mount are ominous, especially unto Rome. That Rome is the Babylon threatned with destruction and Fire, will be evident if you look into the Description. Rev▪ 17. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. And there came one of the seven Angels, which had the seven Viols and talked with me, saying unto me come hither, I will shew unto thee the Iudge∣ment of the great Whore that sitteth upon many Waters, with whom the Kings of the Earth have committed Fornication, and the Inhabitants have been made drunk with the Wine of her Fornication. So he carried me away in the spirit into the Wilderness: And I saw a Woman sit upon a Scarlet-coloured Beast, full of names of Blasphemy, having seven Heads, and ten Horns: And the Woman was arrayed in Purple and Scarlet colour, and de•…•…ked with Gold and Precious Stones, and Pearls, having a Golden Cup in her hand, full of Abo∣mination and Filthiness of her Fornication. And upon her Fore-head was a name Written: Mystery Baby∣lon, The Great, The Mother of Harlots, and A∣bominatio•…•…

of the Earth. And I saw the Woman drunken with the Blood of the Saints, and with the Blood of the Martyrs of Iesus. That this Decription is applicable unto the Papacy of Rome▪ and to no other is evident from every part thereof, as it is explained by the Angel in this same Chapter, and fulfilled as to every particular in the Popedom. We are not to understand it of one particular Pope, but of the whole Race and Succession of them, who are called the great Whore, sitting upon many Waters, with whom the Kings of the Earth committed For∣nication, &c. signifying the spiritual Fornication, committed by them with her, or the Idolatry which she draweth them unto the practice of. The Waters are the People, which she hath under sub∣jection. The Scarlet-Coloured Beast she sitteth upon, having seven Heads, and ten Horns, is the great City of Rome, and the state thereof; the se∣ven Heads signifie seven Mountains on which Rome was built, therefore called Septi-collis Roma, Seven∣hill'd Rome. Moreover the City is described to be the City which then Reigned over the Kings of the Earth, which was the City of Rome the Emperial Seat at that time; the ten Horns signifie the Kings of the Earth, which give their power to the Pope for his support. This Whore is called Babylon, the great the Mother of Harlots; who maketh the Na∣tions drunk, with the Wine of her Fornication, and who her self is drunk with the Blood of Saints and Martyrs. And to whom can this be applyed? but unto the Pope, who doth intoxicate so many Nations as with Wine or potions, whence it cometh to pass that they wallow in the Filthiness of Spiri∣tual Fornication; and who hath shed so much of the

Blood of Saints, for the Testimony of Jesus, against the Romish Superstition and Idolatry. I should digress too far to apply all the parts of this descrip∣tion with other descriptions in the Revelations, and of Anti-Christ in the Thessalonians unto the Pope of Rome, as I might do and prove by unanswerable Ar∣guments, that the Pope is the Anti-Christ, and Rome Spiritual Babylon; That which here chiefly we should mind is the Judgement of this great Whore, It is said, Ver. 6. The ten Horns which thou sawest upon the Beast, shall hate the Whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her Flesh and burn her with Fre. And again Chap. 18. throwout we have the destruction and burning of Babylon, or Rome, set forth at large, Ver. 2. Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, Ver. 4. Come out of her my people, that ye pertake not of her Plagues, Ver. 7. As she hath glorifyed her self and lived deliciously, so much tor∣ment and sorrow give her. Ver. 8. Her plagues shall come in one day▪ and she shall be utterly burnt with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her. The Kings of the Earth, that committed Fornication with her, and Merchants and Ship-masters shall be∣wail her, when they see the smoke of her burning, Ver. 9. But in Heaven there shall be joy. The Lord will rejoice, the Prophets and Apostles will rejoice, and all the Saints will rejoice, in the vengeance which shall then be taken upon Her. Ver. 20.

Rome was standing and did rejoice when London was burning, and I hope London will be standing, and much more rejoice when Rome is burning; London was burnt but in part, Rome shall be utter∣ly burnt with Fire; London after it's burning is re∣built

in a great measure, but Rome shall never be rebuilt after this burning. This Babylon when it falleth, shall never rise more. Ver. 21. And a mighty Angel took up a stone like a great Mile-stone, and cast it into the Sea: saying, Thus with violence shall that great City Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. As a great Mile-stone thrown into the midst of the Sea is overwhelmed with Wa∣ter; so shall Rome be overwhelmed with Fire: and as a Mile-stone cannot be raised and drawn out of the Sea: so Rome when burnt shall never be raised again out of it's ashes and ruines.

Dreadful will the destruction of Rome be, when the time of her barning is come; those which stand a far off, for fear of her torment, (who have been friends to her) shall lament; what lament•…•…tions then will there be, by such as shall be found in the place it self, when it shall be set on Fire about their eares? when the Pope and Cardinals, and the other Inhabitants of that Filthy and Abominably wicked City, shall be consumed together, (as is likely) in the midst of the flames; O the hideous out-crys which then will be made in every street▪ when they are surrounded with Fire on all sides, and there is no way left for them to escape; when their Houses and Wealth, and Persons shall be consumed, together by the devouring flames; when God by such a dreadful fire on Earth shall convey them down to the more dreadful fire of Hell.

Then the Lord will avenge all the blood of his Saints, which under the Anti-Christian tyranny hath been shed, for so many generations; then he will avenge all the Idolatry Pride, Covetousness. Oppression, Blasphemy, Filthiness, Cruelty, and

Wickedness of Rome together. When the Grape^• of this Vine are fully ripe, the Angel with his sharp Sicle will cut it, and throw it into the Winepress of Gods wrath, where it shall be squiesed and crusht to pieces. When their iniquities are full, then their ruine shall come.

And surely the time is not far off; I am much of the perswasion, that this generation shall not passe away before God will accomplish what he hath threatn'd concerning R•…•…nes burning and destruction; the last Sands of the hour of Gods Patience seem to be running; the forty and two months seem to be expiring, and the two witnesses civilly slain, it may be, are arising, and then Rome will quickly be fa•…•…∣ling.

CHAP. X. Concerning the burning of the World.

2 BY the burning of Mount Aetna, we may be minded also of the burning of the World, I mean the last general conslagration of the World at the end thereof: whether Aetna's burning be a Prognostick of Rome's burning is not so certain; but that it is a Prognostic of the Worlds burning and dissolution by Fire, may be proved from Scrip∣ture, as Luke 21. 11. Where our Saviour fore∣telling his Disciples what the signs should be of his coming, and the end of the World, amongst Wars, Pestilences Earth-quakes, doth reckon up fearful sights, as one Fore-runner, and I verily think there hath not been a more fearful sight, since the days of our Saviour, then this of the Eruption of Fir•…•… and

Brimstone from this flaming Mountain; the Inha∣bitant▪ of the place expected a general conflagra∣tion then, but we may well say, that this fearful sight is a Fore-runner of it foretold by Christ, and therefore should put us in mind of it.

The notice of this great and universal burning of the World we have not from reason, but from the Scripture; the clearest and fullest place to prove this is 2 Pet. 3. 5, 6, 7. By the Word of God the Hea∣vens were of Old, and the Earth standing out of the Water and in the Water; Whereby the World that then was being overflowed with Water, perished: But the Heavers and Earth which are now by the same Word are kept in store, reserved unto Fire, against the day of Iudgement, and perdition of Ungodly men. And Ver. 10. The day of the Lord will come as a Thief in the Night, in the which the Heavens shall passe away with a great noise, and the Elements shall melt with fer∣vent heat, the Earth also, and the works that are therein shall be burnt up.

Here Note.

First, That as the World of old was drowned by Water: so that the World that now is shall be consumed by Fire; as certainly as the former was; s•…•… certainly the later shall be, and as dreadful as the Flood was to Sinners on that day: so dreadful and much more dreadful will the Fire be to Sinners on the last day.

Secondly, It is by the Word of the Lord that this general Conflagration shall be effected, by the Word of the Lord the World was made, and by the Word of the Lord the World was Drown'd, and

by the Word of the Lord the world shall be burn'd. In his word he hath foretold it, and by his Word he will effect it.

Thirdly, The Heavens and Earth are said to be reserved in store for fire; when the Old World was drowned, it was only the Earth and Inhabitants thereof, the Heavens were untouch'd, and the Earth also did remain undissolved, and the same Earth did appear afterwards, when the Flood was drawn off by God: but at the last day the Heavens and Earth too shall be dissolved by Fire; not by sub∣terranean Fire as some imagine, and that, as when the World was drowned, the Fountains of the great deep were opened, and the Waters kept before in Store-houses were brought forth, which overwhel∣med the Earth: so that there are Fountains of Fire in the bowels of the Eatth, and that there it is kept in Store-houses, all which then shall be o∣pened, and that the fire shall break forth in a more dreadful flame then ever was seen at Mount Aetna, and set the whole Fabrick of the World on •…•…ire. For as was said before we read nothing of this in the Scripture; it is said, that the Heavens and Earth are kept in store for Fire, but it is not said that fire is kept in store for them. B•…•…sides how can we con∣ceive that any Subterranean fire should have power to reach and dissolve the Heavens?

Fourthly, The time of this burning of the World shall be at the day of Iudgement and perdition of the Ungodly, called Ver. 10. The day of the Lord, It will be at the day of Christ appearance to Judgement, when he shall be revealed from Heaven, with his mighty Angels in flaming fire to take vengeance on the Ungodly World: having first raised up the

Righteous from the dead, and gathered them toge∣ther from the four Winds, and called them up in∣to the Clouds, and openly acknowledged and ac∣quitted them, and set them in a place of safty (for as Noah and his Family were hid from the Deluge of Water in the Ark: so the Lord will hide all the Righteous under his wing from the Fire,) and ha∣ving examined and Sentenced the wicked unto E∣ternal perdition; then most probably will the time be of his setting the World on fire, and that all the wicked of all Generations will remain in the midst of those flames▪ until the whole be consumed, except themselves, who will be then cast into a place of more dreadful burning, I mean the everlasting fire of Hell.

The time cannot be far off, the Lord will come very shortly, Yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry, Heb. 10. 37. And the Lord will come suddenly, as a Thief in the night, Ver. 10. When the World is secure, and doth no more expect it, than the old World did the Flood▪ or the Sodomits did the fire, then the Lord will come.

Fifthly, Here is a more particular description of the burning of the World. It is said Ver. 10. The Heavens shall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 away with a great noise, and the Ele∣ments shall melt with fervent heat, the Earth also and the the works that are therein shall be burnt up. And Ver, II. All these things than be dissolved. The Heavens shall be in flames, and the frame of them crack with a hideous noise, far beyond whatever be∣fore did •…•…ound in the ear of any mortal, and like a great scroll they shall be rolled together, and fly away out of sight; all the Elements also shall feel the force of this fire, and hereby be melted and con∣sumed

into nothing, the Elementary fire and air, and water, shall all melt with this fervent heat and evaporate, so as to be no more; but especially the earth and works thereof shall be the subject of these burnings, all the Buildings, all the houses and Towns and Cities of the world shall be on fire together, all the great and vast Mountains shall be in flames; yea and the great Woods, Plains, and Fields, and the whole Earth from the very bottom of it's founda∣tion shall be on fire, and be burnt up.

O what a dreadful fire will this be! it will be dreadful to behold it, how dreadful will it be then to feel it! to be in the midst of it! as the wicked shall be in their passage to the eternal flames of Hell; when they shall see the Heavens on fire, and the air on fire, and the Water on fire, and the Earth on fire, Cities on fire, and Fields on fire, and themselves on fire, Head, Back, Breast, Belly, Hands, Arms, Legs, Feet, every part on fire, and that such a fire though it doth torment them, yet that shall not be able to consume them; when they see the Hea∣vens, which have endured so long to melt, stones to be broken, and the hardest mettals to be dissolved by the fervent heat of this fire, and yet their bodies made so strong, that their flesh shall not be consum∣ed hereby; O how fearful will this be! tongue cannot utter, thought cannot conceive, the anguish of the wicked on this day, and in this place of fire▪ Mr. Doolittle in his Book of Rebukes, doth Pathe∣ticplly set forth the wo of the Ungodly through this fire, from page 297. to p. 305

See the inference which the Apostle doth draw from the consideration of these flames, which shall burn the world. 2 Pet. 3. 11. Seeing then that all

these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy Conversation and Godliness? Unto which add the 14th. Vers. Wherefore (be loved) seeing ye look for these things, be diligent, that ye may be found of him in peace without spot and blame∣less.

1. Look to your state, that you be Godly persons, that you be regenerate, and have the Image & like∣ness of God upon you, such will be safe and out of the reach of these flames at that day; but wo be to the Ungodly they cannot escape.

2. Look to your conversation, that it be Holy, that you be Holy in all manner of Conversation, 1 Pet. 1. 15. These great burnings and dissolution of all things, should take off your heart from the World, which ere long will be in flames, and quick∣en you unto a holy and circumspect walking; that when the Lord doth appear, you may be found of him in paece, without spot and blameless; and then you shall be taken to inhabit the new Heavens, and new Earth, those glorious mansions, which the Lord will prepare for his people, where you shall have the presence of the Lord with you for ever∣more.

The third burning which will be, is the burning of Hell, of which in the next discourse.