idolatry and papistical abomination
erected up again; and therewith, that our bodies should be taken prisoners
by Turks, or other manifest enemies of God, and of all godliness. Such, I
say, was their temptation; how notable then is this their confession that
in bondage they make, namely, That they will remember God only; although
he has appeared to turn his face from them, they will remember his name,
and will call to mind the deliverance promised!

Hereof have we to consider, what is our duty, if God bring us to the like
extremity, as for our offences and unthankfulness justly he may. This
confession is not the fair flattering words of hypocrites, lying and
bathing in their pleasures; but it is the mighty operation of the Spirit
of God, who leaves not his own destitute of some comfort, in their most
desperate calamities. This then is our duty, not only to confess our God
in time of peace and quietness, but he chiefly craves, that we avow him in
the midst of his and our enemies; and this is not in us to do, but it
behoves that the Spirit of God work in us, above all power of nature; and
thus we ought earnestly to meditate before the battle rise more vehement,
which appears not to be far off. But now must we somewhat more deeply
consider these judgments of God.

This people dealt with thus, as we have heard, were the only people upon
the face of the earth to whom God was rightly known; among them only were
his laws, statutes, ordinances, and sacrifices, used and put in practice;
they only invocated his name; and to them alone had he promised his
protection and assistance. What then should be the cause, that he should
give them over unto this great reproach; and bring them into such
extremity that his own name, in them, should be blasphemed? The prophet
Ezekiel, who saw this horrible destruction, forespoken by Isaiah, put into
just execution, gives an answer in these words, "I gave unto them laws
that were good, in the which whosoever should walk, should live in them;
but they would not walk in my ways, but rebelled against me; and
therefore, I have given unto them laws that are not good, and judgments,
in the which they shall not live." (Ezek. xx.) The writers of the books of
Kings and Chronicles declare this in more plain words, saying, "The Lord
sent unto them his prophets, rising early, desiring of them to return unto
the Lord, and to amend their wicked ways, for he would have spared his
people, and his tabernacle; bu