A call and patern for true and speedy repentance being an abridgment of those many severe sermons by Thomas Reeve ... intituled God's plea for Nineveh.

THAT.

For Eminency THAT, That is the Paragon and Gem of Citys: Here I might have run over all the World, and give you an Account of all the Famous Citys that have been therein, and of all the glorious Excellen∣cies of each of them. Yet was there ever any greater than, Nineveh? No, former times had not its like, nor latter time its equal.

1. Had not former times Thebes in Egypt, that opened an 100 Gates. Corinth, that with her strong Castle built upon the Acro-Corinth, was cal∣led one of the Fetters of Greece. Telesine which contained in it once 16000 Families. Carthage, which was 21 Miles in compass Babylon, which amazed Alexander to see her stately Walls, her pensil Gardens, which seemed to hang in the Air, her artificial Groves, where Trees seem'd to grow without any Earth about them, her lofty Castle and miraculous kind of Bridg built over the Euphrates. Rome, which was built so loftily, that Augustus Caesar was forced to make a Law, that no Man should build above 70 foot high: which was so large, that it contained in it 7 Hills, 37 Gates, and 400 000 Men under the Cense; and so full of rare Specta∣cles, that it was accounted an earthly Bliss to see Rome in her flower. As former Ages had none, so neither have latter times had Citys to stand in Competition with Nineveh, I confess one may read of excellent Citys in these days: viz. Odia in Siam, 'tis said to have above 40 000 Familys. Calecut, in Malavar, doth stretch out three Miles by the Sea-shoar. Man∣dao is so large, and so full of Provisions, that it maintain'd a siege 12 years against Miramudus the great Mogul. Cambria is reported to have in it 800 000 persons. Nanquin hath in it, besides a large number of peo∣ple 10 000 Ships, which are able with the Marriners that go in them to make a goodly City, Quinzay, honored with 12000 Bridges, and a Lake in the midst of the City of thirty Miles compass, with two Islands wherein are gorgeous Houses and magnificent Palaces. Grand Cair, as some write, hath in it 18000 streets, so that Selimus the great Conqueror was three days going through it: and had such a number of people,

that they counted it nothing to lose, every seven years in a great Plague, 300000 persons. Hispua called new Casbin, which the proud Persians call half the World, the compass whereof can't be rid about in less time than a whole day. Musco that Wooden City hath sixteen Churches, and the Princes Palace with 17 Turrets, three great Bulwarks, and 25000 Sol∣diers for a constant Guard. Cambalu (the Seat of the Crim Tartar, who is called the Shadow of Spirits) is 28 Miles in compass, and hath in it a mighty confluence of Merchants, in so much, that 'tis said, There are 10 000 Carts to have come formerly every year laden with Silks from China; and besides other Inhabitants, 'tis said to have 15000 Astrolo∣gers in it. Vienna famous for beautiful Temples, stately Monasteries, and a magnificent Palace for their Emperors, but it hath no great quan∣tity of Ground, nor multitude of Inhabitants, but as the Court doth re∣plenish it. Paris, 10 Miles in compass, hath lofty and curious Buildings, and 600 000 Citizens, besides Soldiers and Scholars, of which last there are a multitude, by reason of their 55 Colledges. Constantinople, where the spread Eagle was first plumed, and flew out of her Nest, into the Imperial Arms: and not only here began to look towards the East and West, but chiefly because when Constantine had resolved to build a glo∣rious City; and had laid the Foundation in Asia, (some say in three se∣veral places:) the Eagles would not suffer the Workmen to go for∣ward, but took up their Tools in their Bills and Claws and carryed them to Byzantine, where this once Famous City was built, and something sightly still, be it but for the Mosques, State-houses, Alms-houses and the Seraglio. Tlascalan, the goodly City in Guastacan of large extent, so much shining afar off, that Ferdinando Cortez, thought, at first sight of it, that it had been built of pure Silver. Cusco which hath in it one of the goodliest Market places in the World, deck'd with rich and sumptuous Buildings, for every Courtier was commanded there to build a Palace, the whole City seeming to be nothing but one large Chest heaped with Sil∣ver and Gold Imperial. And now I have thus done, I must bring you back to Nineveh and say, That none of these Citys in their greatest Glory is able to equal Beams of Majesty with Nineveh. 1. It was called Me∣galopolis, the great City, the original says, A City to God, or, a City for God. as if fitter for God than Men to dwell in. 2. 'Tis That great City, from the duration of it; what City upon Earth, had such an uninterrupted Felici∣ty as Nineveh? Some say for 1500 years, others for 1400 all agree for above one Thousand. 3. For the vast Wealth it had, for Bilesus (joyn∣ing

with Arbaces) being present at taking and burning of it, beg'd of Ar∣baces, (after sacking and rifling it) to have barely the Ashes of it to be be∣stowed upon him, which was freely granted, he got thereby an incredi∣ble Estate, being an hundred Millions of Talents of Gold, and a Thou∣sand Millions of Talents of Silver, besides the Heaps of such Coin as was gathered up in the several corners of the City. 200

Well then let it be for that great Treasure the great City. 4. For the great Emulation that was born against it, for many did malign the ho∣nour and greatness of it: among the rest Semeramis: This Semeramis from being a base Child (as some say) from being an exposed, Child, as most averr, by the Mercy of Shepherds, was taken up and fostered till ripe years, and then appearing to be a Peerless Beauty she was present∣ed to the Vice-Roy of Syria, who being rapt at the sight of her, received her both Joyfully and Thankfully, and Married her to his Eldest Son Menon. The Vice Roy being summoned to wait upon Ninus in an expe∣dition, He, with his Son and Daughter went together (according to Cu∣stom) into the Wars; Ninus, casting his Eyes upon Semiramis thought her too rich a Jewel for a Subject to use, wrested her from Menon, (who stran∣gled himself,) and made her his Bride, being fonder of her then all the other Beautys which were his Lust-Baths: Semiramis seeing she had the Victor in Fetters, made use of her opportunity, secretly envying Nineveh's glory, and ambitious to do something that should out-beam Niveveh; she beg'd leave to build a City her self, her Prince not being able to deny her any thing, granted her Suit, and furnished her with Treasure; she in∣stantly pitcht upon Babylon, and thought to make it the Mirrour of Ar∣chitecture, and the Nymph of Citys, the Walls indeed were esteemed as one of the Wonders of the World. But because she saw she had a re∣straint in her boundless desires so long as Ninus lived, she presented ano∣ther Petition, viz. That he would give her leave to step out of his Bed-chamber into the Throne, and Reign as an absolute Prince for some short time: some say, but for one day, others for two, and others for five, Ni∣nus being infatuated with passionate Affection, granted it. Oh prodigi∣ous new Prince! what mischief may be perpetrated in a little space, for Semiramis, before the last Minute of her stinted Government, got her Hus∣band to be made away: Well, she being foot-loose, wading through her Husbands blood she dedicated all her Husbands Treasure to the shrine of Babylon. But because vast expences will drain even Princes Coffers, she finding a decay of Riches, goeth forth to dig the Gold Mines abroad;

Mustering an Army, she marcheth forth with such a Besom of Sol∣diers, that she was able to sweep all the Earth as she went; In this Ex∣pedition she Conquers the Ethiopians, and so returning back with Fame and Spoil; she invades the Sagdians, H rcamans, Parthenians, Arachosians, Ara∣spians, Parmisedans, and many more Kingdoms; where being Victorious she brought home the Wealth of all these Countrys, as a present to Ba∣bylon. And when all this was spent, she carries her Purse abroad again to be filled; Her next Trace was to India, and there she carries such a vast Army, that not Tamarlain, Cignis, Pompey the great, Augusius the migh∣ty, the great Cham, the great Turk, the Mogul, the Emperor of China, Me∣tuzama, Atabaliba, no not Ziba the Eth••••pian, or Xerxes himself, nor any I could read of ever, appeared in the Field with such Pomp and Power, for she had in her Camp three Millions of Foot-men, five hundred Thousand Horse-men, and a hundred Thousand Chariots, as many Camels where∣upon Men rid with Swords of four Cubits long, and as many Camels and Horses to bear Burdens, and go upon Errands, and as many Elephants, which some say, were natural, others, artificial; and two Thousand Ships carryed upon Camels Backs to convey her Soldiers over Rivers; others say there number were ten Thousand; with this formidable Army she passed the River G••••ges, and entered Staurobates's Dominions, defeat∣ed him and harressed his Country: some say the contrary, but 'tis a groundless assertion, for the current of all ancient Writers avouch, That she conquer'd Staurobates. She dyed at Bactria, where she being warned by the Oracle of Jupiter H••man, That the time of her Death drew nigh, she called all her Captains and Commanders about her, causing them to Swear Allegiance to her Son, and so resign'd up the Empire to him; the EPITAPH she caused to be Ingraven upon her Tomb was, Here lyes Se∣miramis the Great, whosoever will open this Tomb, shall find Treasure enough; which Darius (some say Cyrus) attempting, he found nothing but a Pa∣per with these Words, If thou were not a bad man, a d insatiable after G••ld, thou wouldst not have disturb'd the Sepulchre of the Dead. So long as Semira∣mis sate on the Throne and Reigned and Fought for Babylon, it had her Eye, her Tongue, Head and Hand; yet once an undutiful Hand-Maid, for she rebelled once against her, the news coming to Semiramis while she was Combing her Hair, she took it so offensively, That sh•• Vowed n ver•• to dress her Head, till she had reduced her to Obedience, which she really perform∣ed; for half Drest as she was, she marcht away, and laid such a streight Siege to the City, that she brought down her haughty Spirit, and forc'd her on her Knees to beg Pardon: Having thus humbled her and severe∣ly

chastised her, setting up her Picture in Brass, with her Hair disheveled in Memory of that Rebellion; she renewed her affections to her, making her the Minion of her ••avour; and yet notwithstanding this Munifi∣cence and Magnificence with which she was thus adorned she fell short of great Nineveh: for Nineveh had fifteen hundred Turrets, Babylon but seven hundred, Nineveh four hundred and eighty Furlongs in compass, Babylon not above three hundred and eighty; Nineveh in breadth one hundred and ninety Furlongs, Babylon not above one hundred; Nineveh a City of three days Journey, Babylon (as far as we can read) not a days. Besides the largeness of the Streets and the beauty and numerosity of Buildings in Babylon were nothing comparable to those in Nineveh, so that though Babylon was fair, yet not able to match Faces with Nineveh; No Babylon was a great City, but Nineveh was That great City. Though Babylon exceeded Nineveh in strength of the Walls, and in the Bridge over Euphrates which was five Furlongs long; and in two Palaces; yet it was not half peopled so much as Nineveh: Quintus Curtius saith, That but nine∣ty Furlongs of it were Built, the rest was for Vinyards and Tilth to main∣tain them in a siege. 203

5. That great City. Strabo saith, It ruled far and nigh, within Euphra∣tes and beyond Euphrates: Car Stephanus saith, That under three days a Man could not have the full sight of it through Streets and Lanes, it was the most peopled place in the World, and the most delightful place to behold. Arias Montanus saith, That the Walls were an hundred foot in height, and so broad that three Carts might go a-bredth on it: It com∣mand d the whole Earth.

Obs. That Eminency hath an eminent respect with God Almighty, he is loth to pull down a City, which he has suffered to rise up to the heighth of Greatness. Our Saviour wept over Jerusalem, not for its Forts and Towers, but because he was to shed the first Tears, and Je∣rusalem was to weep her self Blind, yea Dead: Jerusalem had been the Cut-Throat of the Prophets: The Stones of Persecution will be the Stone-heap that will crush the Head of a whole City with direful Curses. Ephraim had been another famous City, and how is God pained to the Heart to behold Ephraim in Danger. Hos. 6.4. Oh Ephraim, what shall I do unto Thee! Ah, and when God is constrained to be rough with him, as if a Father should tear out the Bowels of his own Heir; Is Ephraim my Dear Son? is he my pleasant Child? since I spake against him, I earnestly re∣membred him still, therefore my Bowels are troubled for him. Oh Ephraim how

shall we part? what shall I do unto Thee. Micah 6.9. The Lords Voice cryeth unto the City. What is this Cry, to call-in Invaders to assault it, or Con∣querors to Fetter it? No, to call up a prudent Person to acknow∣ledge the kind Founder: But what need of this Cry? what great need? for the City is ready to be carryed to the Correction House, to be lead to the Whipping Pillar, for there is a Rod prepared, and a hand lifted up to strike, Danger indeed! what shall procure Deliverance? is there any means left to keep the City from the Lash? Yes, saith God, if the City hath but a good Ear, it need not fear its Back, it shall not suffer if it do but harken, nor feel the Rod, if it do but listen to the Rod; there∣fore hear the Rod, and who hath a••pointed it. Twas said of Titus that noble Emperor, that he had rather per••sh himself then destroy. So God will as soon part with his Essence as his Compassion. See how he expostulates with Jonah about Nineveh, he would spare it because it was eminent, it was that great City, should I not spare Nineveh that great City?

1. God will spare Nineveh that great City, to teach the World that things of Eminency are to be prized. What strange Eyes are in your Heads that cannot see Beams in those things which excel all other as far as Light doth excel Darkness? Shall not that be valued which is invalua∣ble? Then ye are not to be valued: whatsoever is excellent ought to be look'd upon with an Eye of Reverence. Epithaniu•• B•• of Ticinum, when Theodoricus took the City, was so regarded by the barbarous Soldiers (though of a contrary Judgment) that they used him with all Civility, whilst they stayed with him, and wept at their departure from him. Shame to them which abuse that which is pretious, and can honour no∣thing but what is contemptible.

2. God will spare Nineveh, to sh••w that his Mercy is not to be limited: Jo∣nah was for destroying it above all places because it was that great City full of Sin and Provocation; but God would have it spared because it was full of Danger and had most need of Mercy: There are Men liberal in their Judgments, that we may say to them, as Diogene•• said to one in the like kind: How long is it since thou camest out of Heaven; where these Men have Liberty, many a wicked Man shall be saved, and the Godly condemned.

3. God would spare Nineveh, because he desired to be honored in a great Preservation. God would be abundant in Goodness and Save by a great Deliverance, not spare a particular eminent person, or a distinct eminent Family, but that great City, that upon a••l the Glory there might be a defence, this is the Tryumph of Divine Favour, and the Trophe he aims

at: when great Countrys, great Nations participate of his Mercy, that it may be said, here is Gods Banner displayed, and his Buckler hung up: That he might be honored with an Eminency, he will spare with an Emi∣nency. Should I not spa••e Nineveh That great City.

Application.

1. This doth shew the Happiness of this Place, for are ye only a City? no, a City with Eminency, the greatest of the Land, the greatest of many; what are Amsterdam, Hamborough, Quinborough, nay the Royal Citys of many Countries, Stock∣holm, Copinhagen, Vienna, Rome it self to you? Yours is such a City, as 'tis fit only to be shown upon Holy Days. This City for Courts of Justice doth seem to be a grand Tribunal: for Provisions for the Poor, a wide Hospi∣tal; for War-like preparations, an admirable Arsnal: for much Trading, a stored Ware-house; for beautiful Building, a gorgeous Palace; for means of Salvation, the Temple of the Earth: 'tis a renowned City: look'd upon as the Stage of Wonders: consider the several Jewels lock'd up in this Cabinet: I fear you darken your own Splendor, and diminish your Portion, you mind not her dayly Commodities landed at your Stairs: oh you know not the price of your City-Sword, nor the worth of the Cap of Maintenance, &c. God might give this City to new Dwellers, that might say, Their Lot is fallen to them in a pleasant Land, or create new Mem∣bers of this Corporation, that would sing a Hymn to him for such variety of Blessings: alas, ye possess much, ye prize but little, ye are more suc∣cessful than sensible: Oh consider in what an Eden God hath placed you: ye are not only a City, but above many Cities in the World. Ye may be called That great City: Should I not spare Nineveh that great City.

2. This shews, that the City is eminent with God if Ye do not with∣draw his Affections from it; he doth prize the City because its That great City: the City cannot be too great for God, if it be not too great for your Selves; he is satisfy'd with your large Circuit, if ye do not cast your selves out of your own Walls: Make him Chief over the City, and hold it in Fee under him as long as you will; do but true Homage to him, and he will deliver back again to you your Sword and Mace, and Keys to keep for many Ages; if ever ye perish your Blood be upon your own Heads: Thy Destruction is of thy self O Israel: Misery will never come from Gods Justice, but from your own Wickedness: his Rod will never be felt till the Scorner doth call for Stripes: yet so lie loveth your Pave∣ments, if ye don't break them up; he delights in your Buildings, if ye don't pollute them; he rejoyces in your Treasures, if ye don't forfeit

them: Ye are blessed, why are you sick of your own Felicity? Do ye wish well to the City, or desire to continue its Eminency? No, Me∣thinks I see you bring ••ick-axes to dig down your own Walls, and spring Mines to blow up your own Houses, and kindle Sparks that will set the whole City in a Flame from one end to the other, what means the City-Jars, Differences and Distinctions of each other by several Names: these if Wisdom prevent not will bring ruin to a City, for a City doth signify no more, nor less, than the unity of Citizens, and indeed if it want unity, it is but a Tumult, a wresting place, a pitched Field, and not a City; the Towers are then undermining, and the Walls shaking and falling. A Miserable thing it is, when their Tongues are divided, and there is a strife in the City, Psal. 55.9. Scornful Men (i.e. Turbulent and Factious) bring the City into a s••are, then is the City becoming a City of Destruction. Epi∣ctetus said well, That discord is the wit-foundring of a City: Diodorus makes a sad relation concerning the Citizens of Argos, falling into Dis∣sentions and Distractions about Superiority, which caused such a woful face of Misery and Desolation, that no man lived in safety, for many were Tortured to Death, and others cut their own Throats, that they might not be ••ortured; yea, certain Orators arising, so stirred up the People against the Rich, that no Man of Wealth was secure, thirty of them were questioned, tortured and slaughtered at once, and after that two Thou∣sand and two hundred; afterwards the Orators out of Remorse refusing to accuse any more, the Rage fell upon them, and they were Murthered and Perished among the rest. The Citizens of Constantinople falling into Contention in the seventh year of ustinian giving their popular pledge to raise Partys; what Troubles did there break forth? Citizens were Ba∣nisht, Houses Burnt, the Temple Defaced, and the uproar nor ally'd until three Thousand were Slain: when Carthage was divided how soon did it come to be an enslaved City. Discords of Citizens have ever been Ominous and divers times fatal. [Beware O London.] Oh this Unity doth carry in it an universality of Felicity, it is the Basis and Battle-ax to a City. Hath God Built this City for his own Service and Worship? No, it seems to be a Bear-Garden, or a Nest of Cockatrices: Oh the hideous noises, the filthy smells, the dung-heaps the execrable Sins that are committed in this City! It seems to be nothing but a fenced Vale for Miscreants, and Anak ms to shelter themselves in; to speak modestly I wont shew you the Faces of the Monsters or hol•• up the Gorgons Head in your sight; but I will say in general, That Gods Name is Dis∣honored,

his Truth Corrupted, his Deity Blasphemed, his Laws Viola∣ted, his Messengers dispised. Prayers but Customary Gales, Praises but Ditties of Humour, Sermons but Notional Speculations, Sacra∣ments but badges of affected Community; the Saints Weep, the Poor Cry, and the Oppressed Roar Grace is turned into a Vizard, and Reli∣gion into refined Policy; and, if I should reckon up all, heres enough to bury the ancientest Family in Oblivion, to shake the greatest City in the World into scattered Stones, to cast Adam out of Paradise again, and to throw the Angels out of Heaven, if they were in the greatest brightness: Oh then that ye are the Contrivers of the fall of so great a City! Is it no∣thing that you be held the Conspirators against the safety of the City? Yes, Cilicon that deluded the City of M••l••tum with continually saying, All things are well, tell he had delivered it up into the hands of the Priennen∣ses: Zenias that carryed all fair to the City of Elis till he had brought it under the Lacedemonians: Doryl••us Tacticu••, which betrayed Eupator in his head City: Baditzes, that when the Saracens were ready to depart from Amorium, sent a sec••et Letter to tell them, that if they would re∣new their Assault in such a place, they might easily enter; which they did, and put the City to Slaughter: all these are branded with In∣famy, for seeking the Destruction of their own Citys: How much more then you, which by your Prodigious Sins are plotting greater Treache∣ry against your City than these? For they brought but Armed Men into the City, but your Sins are ready to bring down Hosts from Heaven, yea to fetch Angels from above to be revenged on you for all your execrable Sins: If the City doth fall, we know whose HANDS to charge for the pulling it down: Not the Hands of Justice, but the Hands of Trans∣gression that are guilty of this Fact, they are your Provocations and Abominations, that neither Profession nor Pulpits can restrain: no Popish TRATORS nor Treacherous Friends are like your proditorious Sins, those call in Gods Judgments, open the City Gates, put Arms into their Hands to slaughter on the right hand and on the left; yea, so inrage them, that they will not leave wasting till they have left the City level with the ground: the City has been great, is great, and may be great if your selves don't conspire against its Greatness: God would not destroy Nineveh because it was that great City; Should I not spare Nineveh that great City? 216

3. This shews the horror of the Citys desolation, if ever it doth hap∣pen to perish: for it is That Great City, and it will be that great Casualty: Oh,

the Dream be to our Enemys, and the Interpretation to them that hate us. Lot the Woman called Wickedness, which doth sit in the midst of the Epha rather fly into Shinar, then take her flight to this City, and here rest upon her Base. For if the City come to be Visited, there are not Tongues enough in the City to utter all the Miseries that such Judgments will bring upon us: Our Cheeks may look pale, our Eyes drop, and our Hearts tremble at the ap∣prehension of such a fatal day: Sure I am Troy will fall from her very Cul∣men, it is Ilium the great, and great will be the Infelicity of such a Curse, 'twas Troy novant, 'tis Troy le Grand, and it will be Troy le Extinct. Do Citys fall with a small Crush? No, Let me carry you to the broken Walls, and lead you through the Ruins of other Citys. Heli••••olis, once a City beautiful in Buildings is now razed, not a foot-step to be seen ei∣ther of its City or Temple Thebes destroyed all but one Port Sidena utterly ruined, and a Curse laid on all Men, by Cressus, that should offer to rebuild it. All the Citys in Phocis, in the Holy War, wasted by the Am∣phyctions: I might shew you the like of Troy, Carthage, Cyropolis, Myrenae, Alba, and many other glorious Citys laid so desolate that it would be hard to find a stone of the old Foundation: And well were it that the Rage had but extended to bare Walls, but Citys and Citizens often perish together, the Walls of Stone and the Walls of Flesh had the like Battery, the Pick-ax and Hammer brought: forth for the one, the Sword and the Pole-ax for the other: oh what Murders and Massacres have happened at the destru∣ction of Citys. The Citizens of Eretria being inclosed as it were in a Net, were all put to the Sword. The Citizens of Scotussa (in Thessaly) being called forth into the Market to hear the Laws of Conquest; the Elder Men were made away by Bow-men and Dart-men which lay in Secret: the Young Men hewn to pieces, and the Women and Children sold for Slaves under the Crown, as they call it: the City of Sybaris in Greece Which had once twenty five Citys under the Jurisdiction of it, and led out above an hundred Thousand Men against Crotoniates, being at last taken by their Adversarys, were for the most part drowned by the River which they let into the City, and those which escaped that Death perish∣ed by the Soldiers Swords and 'twas well they suffered but a common Death, for in many places they were put to Death with Torture and Ex∣tremity. M. Fluvius by the Counsel of Pollia, did not only kill the Tuscu∣lanes,

but whipt them grieviously, and then struck off their Heads with an Ax. The ••ocrenses first defiled the Bodys of their Captives with Lust, then they thrust Needles into their Fingers-ends, keeping them in pain; then they beat them to Death in a Mortar, and cast them into the Sea. Lucius Cataline was wont to destroy his Enemys first by breaking their Arms and Thighs, then by cutting off their Ears, then by plucking out their Tongues, paring off their Noses, and tearing out their Eyes, and at last by beheading. Henry 6. Conquering the Sicilians, did seith some to Death in hot Cauldrons, others he fryed to Death, others he sewed up in Sacks and threw them into the Sea; he put Brazen Crowns on the Heads of some full of Nails, some he set upon a Brazen Chair made red Hot, some have been so Savage to their Enemys, that they have sown them up in the Bodys of new slain Beasts, and there let them lye tell they have rotted and been devoured by Beasts: some have tyed hun∣gry Vultures to the heels of their Captives, which might eat out their Bowels by pieces, and have sprinkled the Faces of their Hospital Gods with the Blood of their slaughtered Enemys, as if they had done a most pious work, and did offer a most pleasant Sacrifice; and they have consecrated their Instruments of Cruelty, calling them Holy Swords and Sacred Spears: Nor will they spare your Goods, no these were the fo∣ments of the War, the leading-staff of the March; ye are the Drudges, they are the Heirs: Are not these the common Accidents upon rifling Citys? When Mahomet the Great, did win Constantinople, he was astonish'd at the Wealth he did meet withal, and 'tis a Proverb among Turks, that if any grow suddenly rich, They ••av•• been at the Siege of Constantinople. These are the Ruines of Estates, upon the loss of Citys, the Keys wrested out of their Hands, their Treasure scattered, and the rich owners must then wander about for relief to beg and kiss the feet of their Adversarys.

And happy were it the Misery of taking Citys would end here, but after all, CONSCIENCE comes to her punishment, this also must be made a Captive and wear the Slaves Chain: Men are not only locked out of their Houses, but out of their Temples, not only their Goods are gone, but they are depri∣ved of the PEARL; their Liberties are not only lost, but their Freedom of the Ordinances. Pure Doctrine, pure Worship, and Faith are in bondage, and the Soul is inthralled A whole City in Phrygia because it would not change its Religion, was compassed about with Armed Men, her City and Citizens both burnt to Ashes.

In the City of Alexandria, Julian coming to take Possession of it, and because the Christians would not turn Heathens, his Soldiers wounded most, stoned some, strangled others, some were slain with the Sword, o∣thers crucified; friend spared not friend, nor Brother his Brother, nor Parents their own Children. Hunerick was no sooner Conqueror, but in all the Citys he conquered, he commanded alteration of Religion, and not being obeyed, he instantly Banished five Thousand Bishops, Priests, and Men of all Orders: 'twere infinite to relate the Cruelties and Tortures that Citys have undergone in point of CONSCIENCE, when they come under a Conquerour. It is a thing so evident, Records need not be scarch'd to prove that Conscience has been an old Slave upon such Acci∣dents: That Men who will not permute a God, and suffer their Faith to be new stamp'd, must either run or dye for it 220

N. B. Oh, if ever your Sins bring in Gods Judgments into your City marching Rank and File, see the variety of Sorrows, you must weep un∣der. As happy as ye seem to be, ye must have another Face of Wret∣chedness amongst you; whatsoever your present Comforts are, yet Then nothing but Exigents and Dysasters: your Looking-Glasses will be snatch'd away, your Mirrour crack'd, your Dia∣mond shivered in pieces, this goodly City of yours all in shreds; ye may seek for a Threshold or Pillar of your ancient dwellings, but not find one; all your spacious Mansions, and sumptuous Monuments are then gone, not a Porch, Pavement, Seeling, Stair Case, Turret, Lanthorn, Bench, Skreen, Pane of a Window, Post, Nail, Stone or Dust of your former Houses to be seen. No, with wringing Hands you may ask, where are those sweet places where we Traded, Feasted, Slept? where we lived like Masters, and shone like Morning Stars? No, the Houses are fallen, and the Housholders dropt with them: we have nothing but naked-Streets, naked Fields for shelters; not so much as a Chamber to couch down our Children, or Repose our own Members when we are spent or afflicted with Sickness. Wo unto us, our Sins have pulled down our Hou∣ses, shak'd down our City, we are the most harborless people in the World, like Foreigners rather than Natives; yea, rather like Beasts than Men: Foxes have Holes and Fowls have Nests, but we have neither Holes nor Nests; our Sins have deprived us both of Couch and Covert: we would be glad if an Hospital would receive us; Dens or Caves shelter us; the bleak Air or cold Ground are our only Shades and Refuges. But alas! this is but the Misery of Stone-work, of Arches, Roofs. What will

you say when you come Skin VVork? Arms, Necks, and Bowels?

May not your tender persons be touched? Yes, ye which have walk'd in State may then run the Streets in Distraction: ye which have search'd out others with severity, may be pluck'd out of your Corners With rigor; ye which have been bowed to, may then bow your Knees for Mercy; with one Legg or half an Arm, ye may begg the Preservation of the rest of your Members; VVhat Inventions shall ye then be put to, to secure your Lives? what perhaps would you not give to save your selves? and your Tears it may be will not secure you, nor your Gold redeem you; but your Veins must weep as well as your Eys, and your Sides be watered as well as your Cheeks: when your Sins shall shut up the Conduits of the City, and only your Liver Conduit to run; when they allow you no showers of Rain, but showers of Blood to wash your Feet; when you shall see no Men of your Corporation but the mangled Citizen, nor hear no noise in your Streets, but the crys, the shreiks, the yells and pants of gasping dying Men: when among the throngs of Asso∣ciates not a Man will own you, your Friends hide their Head, and your Servants flee from you: when your Kindred are slain in one place, your VVives in another, your Children in a third, and your selves at last, it may be cut in two, to increase the number of dead Carcasses: when, as populous as you are, you shall be but numbred to the Sword, as puis∣sant as you are, the Valiant shall be swept away: As fine fed as you are, you shall be fed with your own Flesh and made Drunk with your own Blood: when your Trespasses have been so outragious that Ven∣geance doth deny you a being, that you are thought fit for nothing but to be killed in the places where you committed the Crimes, and to suf∣fer the pains of Death within those Walls which you have cursed with your Sedoms Faces and Egyptian hard-Heartedness: when your Politicians can no longer help you, but must have their subtle Brains dash'd in pie∣ces with yours, nor your Lectures no longer save you, but you must meet at the Congregation near the Shambles: when this great City shall be but a great Chopping-board to quarter out the Limbs of Sinners, or the great Altar whereon a whole City is to be Sacrificed: Oh, doleful day of new painting your Walls, new paving your Streets, new summoning a Common-Hall, when all are called forth to nothing but to the derision of the insulting Adversary, to have your Breasts to try the points of Spears, your Sides the keeness of Swords, your Heads the weight of Pole-Axes, and Bodys to be made Foot-stools, and your Dead Careasses steppings for

truculent Foes to trample upon: when there will be no pity upon the Aged, nor compassion for the Young, but heaps upon heaps, tumbling of Garments in Blood, and Swords made fat with slaughter: Oh, see what a crimson City crimson Sins will make: Or, if you escape the dint of the Sword, and your Lives be given you for a prey, shall not your Goods be a prey? Yes, some may be reserved out of the greatest MASSA∣CRE, when Men are weary of Killing, a Retreat may be sounded, and Men called off from the Slaughter, yet can ye challenge your old Hou∣ses? or bring your Keys to your old Chests? No, your Titles gone, your Interest lost, you have Sinn'd your Selves off your Propriety, the Enemy is now House-keeper and Land-holder, all's forfeited to the Sword: farewel Inheritances, Purchases, Leases Jewels, as ye have got∣ten these perhaps unjustly; so they shall be taken away unjustly; vio∣lently gotten, and violently they shall be taken away: Vengeance from Heaven will have satisfaction for all your fraudulent Bargains, cruel Pawns, extorting Mortgages, blooding of Widdows, skinning of Or∣phans: or, as you have used your Goods for Pride and Bravery, so you shall see all your Gallantry and new Fashions pluck't from you: others shall spruce up themselves in your Dresses, and your selves glad of the worst filthy Garment ye left behind; or perhaps of a cast Garment of your Enemys: and though God took you out of the Mire, you never pluck't out others which stuck in the same Extremitys: you have for∣gotten your own beginnings: a great Company of these the City hath, that the Poor and the suffering Gospel can thank them for little succour and Sympathy. They which would grasp all, shall loose all: they shall be driven to live upon Alms, and to go among the tattered crew. They shall wish they had but one spare Bag, which all the crys of the Distressed could not make them open; or, that they had but a few of those Mites which all the Tea••s of Necessity could not make them to scatter abroad; no, they would trust nothing in Gods hand, and God will shut up all Hands and Hearts against them: They had no Compassion, and no Eye shall pity them: if they be not slain in the heap, yet they do but Live to see their own Misery: Their Sins have made them Bankrupts and ruin∣ed them: Oh that the loss of Money were the greatest mischief, but there is a Treasure of greater value in Danger, CONSCIENCE is ready to be rifled; there is not an absolute Conquest made till the inward Man be in Fetters: Thou must be a Slave in Principles: oh, tis a hard thing to be a Jew inwardly.

Thou must then bear the Fruit of the degenerate Plant, or strange Vine, pour out the Drink-Offerings of other Sacrifi∣cers, follow the Sorcery of the Mistress of Witchcraft, or learn Magick with them that are brought up in the Doctrine of Devils: you must limp with this halting Age, fit thy Mouth to shout, That great is Diana of the E∣phesia••s; thou must taunt thy Father, spit in the Face of thy own Mother, hiss away all thy true Brethren: like the Jews, thou must soon learn the Language of Canaan and Ashdod; if they come under another Lord, the Citizen is a double Slave both in Soul and Body. Though there are many which perhaps care not what become of Conscience, so that they can but keep Walls, Skins and Purses, they would pawn their Souls to any Broker, they have a Religion fitted for any Age or Accidents: yet they to whom Religion is dearer than their Eys, and the purity of the Gospel then the Life-Blood, is not this an heavy Judgment? (and what shall a Man give in Exchange for his SOUL.) 'Tis a Mortal Wound to have the Soul stab'd. Oh Miserable Age! if this hour of Temptation should come upon you, that Me•• should be led away with the Errors of the Wicked, and make Ship-wrack of Faith and a good Conscience: yet this it will be, there will be no safety for incontaminate Faith; thou wilt be a Nicode∣mus; or, if with Daniel, thou dost pray publickly towards Jerusalem, thou wilt be cast into the Lyons Den: thou wilt be a complicated and compleat Slave, a Slave in thy House, Person, Estate and Conscience: Oh, therefore if it be possible, shut the Gates before Judgment doth en∣ter, or meet thy Enemy afar off, before he draw nigh to the City: for if Tears, Prayers and Reformation doth not stop his Passage, here WILL be variety of Misery, you see, at his subduing the City: There must be an eminency of Repentance, or there WILL be an eminency of Wrath; it will be That Great Visitation, for it is that great City, should I not spare Nine∣veh that Great City?

4. This shews, that as Eminency is dear unto God, so it ought to be unto us: Oh, that God should spare a City that is Eminent, and that we will spare nothing that is Eminent: that Eminency should beget in Us the greater Envy: Oh tell it not in Gath, nor publish it in the streets of Askelon, lest the Daughters of the Uncircumcised Tryumph, lest Rome say, That her Inquisition or Stakes could not make a quicker Dispatch of eminent Protestants than our Differences or Passions.

5. This doth shew, that we ought to aim at Eminency, we should look to be of the new Corporation, to be Citizens with the Saints and of the

Houshold of God. Oh, what Magnificence to such a Professor? What Citizen like such a Saint? what are all these glorious Structures, to the lively Stones of Gods Building? what is the Magnificence of a City to the Prerogative of Adoption? No, the Robe of Righteousness doth excel all the Mercers Ware, an Ingot of Grace, the Wealth of your City: what Conspicuousness like that of Religion? what Eminency like to that Regeneration? No, if you want your Christian Interest, ye have on∣ly Parchment Priviledges your Happiness goes not beyond your City-Walls: The Savour of Life to Life is not to be bought among all your Perfumers, nor the true Pearl from your Jewellers. Oh that I could pre∣vail with you to take the City Oath, and make you true Free-men in Heaven, otherwise your Tenure is but a painted Portal, and that your Heaven is in an Exchange: ye are never Enfranchised till ye have Liber∣ties of Redemption, nor right Traders, till ye are making Bargains at the free Mart of the Spirit: nor wealthy Citizens till ye have the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Oh then that you would ••emove your Traffick, have your 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 your City Commerce, or Conversation in Heaven, Bags that Wax not old, a stock of Grace, these are greater Riches then the Treasures of Egypt; think your Security consists not in Bulwarks or Citadels, but in Towers of Religious Constancy, that ye might say, our VValls, Spirits, Consciences and Conversations are remaining firm: that your Conversation might be so Celestial, that the people might be drawn to bless you while Living, and to bewail you when Dead: Think not of the first Builder of your City, but think of that City whose Builder and Maker is God. Oh, remember that this City, hath Keys too, for without are Dogs: oh happy thou that dost go in this City Livery, that art a prime Citizen in this Corporation: Should I not spare Nineveh that great City? 229

6. This sheweth that Repentance doth present to Gods Eye, every thing in us that might draw Compassion: Nineveh being Penitent, God hath before him all the Motives that might incline him to spare it: It was a City a Great City, That Great City: That as the VVoman from the VVall had variety of Arguments why Abel should be spared; and the VVoman of Tekoah why Absalom should be called from Banishment; and Bathsheba why Solomon should Reign, so Repentance doth exhibit to God all instances, impulsions, instigations, extimulations that should make God propence to Favour; Repentance is copious in setting out a Peni∣tent with all his Adjuncts and Appurtenances, Inserences and References

to make him acceptable. Polycrates (presenting the Mother of a Soldier that dyed in the VVars, to a Citizen) used these Terms, I give this Mother to thee to maintain; and then all the Services of the Soldier were repeat∣ed. Pompey at his Tryumph (which was the greatest I ever read of) had every thing brought in that might express the glory of it: viz. his Vi∣ctory over several Kingdoms, that he had Conquered a Thousand Ca∣stles, nine hundred Citys, eight hundred Pyratical Ships and that in Asia, Africa and Europe; yea, that he had done such wonders, that he seem'd to Trymph over all the VVorld. And Cleopatra when she prepared to meet Mark Anthony▪ had all her princely Pomp described, viz. That she Sailed down the River in a Bark overlaid with Gold, the Oars being pure Silver, the Cables of Silk, the Sails of Purple, the Odors so costly, that they perfumed the Bank sides with sweet smells; her Maids of Ho∣nour attired like Nymphs, and her self sitting under a Tent of Gold, seeming to be the very Deity of Beauty.

But nothing doth so delineate and decipher a thing as Repentance doth all thy Motions, Affections, Preparations, Passages and Perfections. God observes a Penitent, and doth exarate, and can enumerate all his Manifestations; he hath Bottles for thy Tears, Files for thy Petitions. VVitnesses for thy Vows, Bags for thy Alms, and Books for thy Actions. Oh Penitent, then see how God doth look upon thee, look through thee, search and mark thee: Oh, if thou wouldst be seen with comfort and com∣pleatly, turn Penitent, for Repentance is never out of Gods clear distinct and district view: here his Eye is piercing and fixt: the Publican no sooner approaches to God, but his distance, his dejection, his blushing, his knock∣ing, and his humble Tone is taken notice of; the like of Josiah and He∣zekiah, all their many humble Passages are taken notice of: though Ahab did but act his part. God is privy to the least Address and the smallest Expression that ever thou didst make. when thou didst desire a Union with him: God can repat to thee thy checks, thy conflicts, thy groans, thy protestations, thy supplications, thy fruitfulness, thy fervency, thy watchfulness: Repentance can't be rejected, God hath all things under his Eye: Should I not spare Nineveh that great City.

7. This doth shew, That no Earthly Eminency is certain: for God once spared Nineveh that great City, but now that great City is wasted. Pappas saith, That Repetance at Jonah's Preaching saved Nineveh an hundred years, but afterwards being puffed up with happy success, it felt an avenging God. Cartwright lately travelling those parts, saith, he

saw some pieces and broken VValls of it. The most Judicious VVri∣ters hold, that after Arbaces had taken it from Sardanapalus, it continued under the Medes in some flourishing condition till the time of Gyaxares, son of Phraartes, who began to destroy it; and Astyages his Son levelled it with the ground. Oh then, what stability is there in any earthly greatness? That great City, hath had both her Obiit and her Funeral. Oh, that our Hearts could trample upon the Earth as our Feet do; that our Consci∣ences could renounce the World, as well as our Profession doth; how many great Familys have we seen decay? how many great Citys have we found laid in the Dust? Baldness is come upon Gazah, Jer 47.5. Yea, Nineveh that was the Crown Imperial of the whole World, hath now lost her Diadem, that great City hath not one of her Thousand five hun∣dred Towers, or one of her splendid Palaces to be seen. Oh, then why are ye enamoured upon your beautiful Empress? Do you dwell in the inchanted City? Or, are you out of the dint of Vengeance? Do you not fear Judgments? what should make you so confident? Nineveh's Circuit was more large, her Walls more strong, her Streets more popu∣lous, her Treasures more abundant, her Dominions more ample than yours, then why may not you drop as well as Nineveh is fallen? Are your Sins less? No, you have four Sins within your Walls (and yet I will except, Fraud, Pride, Partiality and Bribery) that shall justify Nine∣veh from being the more Guilty Sinner: Four Sins? what are they? I know you are good at asking questions, and apter to sciscitate than to eliminate; therefore, because I have often heard you told of these things, and yet could never see you blush, but rather rage; not softned with ministerial Zeal, but rather hardned; therefore I shall not speak where the Lord hath commanded to keep silence, Amos. 5.13. nor throw abroad his Pearls, but where he hath directed me to cast them, nor impart his Holy things, but where he hath injoyned me to give them, Mat. 7.6. If you command the Prophets saying, Prophecy no••, Amos 2.12. and the time be come about, that no Man must strive nor reprove one another, for the People are as they with strive with their Priest, Hos. 4.4. then why should we reiterate that which we have had Preached upon the House top? and made plain upon Tables? and for fear I should be charg'd to bring in a railing Accusation: I shall say only as Michael did, the Lord rebuke thee. But these Sins are such, That if you had Walls of Brass, and Guards of Anakims, they will make every beam of the House, and stone in the Building cry out Confusion to you; and nothing but Conversion will

save you; and I doubt whether I shall see Nineveh's Repentance among you! Oh, that The Jonah were born that would cry effectually in the Streets! Oh, That the Auditors were yet so prepared, that they could listen to a Message from Heaven with Nineveh's Ears! Oh, be ye smit∣ten to the Earth, wallow in the Ash-heap, weep till ye cannot shed a Tear more; reform, till there's not a Sin left for Conscience to turn new spy unto; and so may Repentance be your Preservative, a kind of Guar∣dian Angel to the City and with Nineveh be spared; and if spared, I wish ye not to be secure; for if you Fast, and fall to your old Riot; or put on Sack-cloth, and change this for new Fashions, &c. the renewing your former Sins will but renew former dangers, therefore your Repen∣tance must not only be fervent, but firm; not only unfeigned but un∣changeable: Remember Nineveh, she humbled her self, and was Pardoned, she repented, and was spared; but she repented but for a time, and was spa∣red but for a time: she turned to be Nineveh the Wicked, and she hap∣pened to be Nineveh the Miserable.

Notes

• The Excellency of London a∣bove other Citys.
• The M sery of the City when Judg∣ments approach.
• The Misery of po••r Conquered Citizens.
• The w••rst of Miserys, is Conscience becomes a sufferer.
• The Fire time.
• A Massacre.
• P••p••ry s••••••••p.