then if they were not such societies. The sin of these Cities is said to be grievous, and crying, Gen. 18.20. This may serve for admonition, that Citizens or Magistrates should not trust too much to their wealth, so that thereby they should be made the more bold to sin. Doct. 2. The same judgements of God are executed by contrary causes.
This is gathered therehence, that whereas the old world was destroyed by water, those Cities were overthrowne by fire.
Vse. This may serve for admonition, that sinners should not therefore think themselves safe, because they have escaped one judgement; for when they are farthest off from one evil, another is ready to fal upon them, Amos 5.19. Doct. 3. Extreame judgements follow extreame sins.
This is gathered therehence, that this was an utter overthrow, because that these Cities had filled up the measure of their sins.
Reason. The reason is taken from the proportion, that is betwixt sin and the punishment of sin. Vse. This may serve to admonish us, if we cannot altogether avoid sin, yet with feare and trembling to shun the progresse and continuance in sin. Doct. 4. They that are unto others examples of sin, shall be also unto them examples of punishment.
This is gathered from these words: Making them an ensample.
Vse 1. This may serve to admonish us, so much the more to take heed, that we give no scandal unto others, or to be an example in sin.
2. To exhort us to increase in godlinesse by the examples of Gods judgements upon sinners. For that is the use and end of them, Amos 412.
The other part of the Analysis.
The object of mercy is Lot, who is described, 1 By the adjunct, that he was righteous. 2 By the effect, that his soule was vexed with the wickednesse of the ungodly, which is more largely set forth, v.8. 1 By the internall cause, which was his righteousnesse. 2 By the externall cause, which was their un-
