XXXIII. SERO, SED SERIO.

NEBUCHADNEZZAR observed three gradations in plundering the temple; first, he mannerly sipped and took but a taste of the wealth thereof, 2 Chron. xxxvi. 7: He carried of the vessels of the house of the Lord to Babylon.

Next, he mended his draught, and drank very deep, ver. 10: When the year was expired, Nebuchadnezzar sent and brought Jehoiachin to Babylon, with the goodly vessels of the house of the Lord.

Lastly, he emptied the cup, not leaving one drop behind, ver. 18: And all the vessels of the house of the Lord, great and small, brought he to Babylon.

It was the mercy of God to allow his people space to repent: had they made their seasonable composition with God after the first inroad, they had prevented the second; if after the second, they had prevented the last and final destruction.

God hath suffered our civil wars some sixteen years since, first to taste of the wealth of our nation; and we met not God with suitable humiliation. His justice then went farther, and the sword took the goodly vessels, the gallantry and gayety of England from us; 1. Our massy plate; 2. Pleasant pictures; 8. Precious jewels; 4. Rare libraries; and 5. Magnificent palaces [Holdenby, Theobalds, Richmond]; carrying majesty in their structure; 1. Melted down; 2. Sold; 3. Lost, or drowned; 4. Transported; 5. Levelled to the ground.

God grant that we may sue out our pardon by serious repentance, before all the vessels, great and small, be taken away in a renewed war, that the remnant of wealth which is left in the land may be continued therein.