Again, if godly, they are to humble themselves, and beg mercies for themselves and people.
Secondly. Upon this advantage and occasion, they are to stir up their people, as possibly they may, to repentance; but not to force the consciences of people to worship.
Object.
If it be said, what must be attended to in this example?
Answer.
Two things are most eminent in this example.
First. The great work of repentance, which God calls all men unto, upon the true preaching of his word.
How England and London may yet be spared.
Secondly. The nature of that true repentance, whether legal or evangelical. The people of Nineveh turned from the violence that was in their hands: and confident I am, if this nation shall turn, though but with a legal repentance, from that violent persecuting or hunting each of other for religion’s sake,—the greatest violence and hunting in the wilderness of the whole world—even as Sodom and Gomorrah upon a legal repentance had continued until Christ’s day: so consequently might England, London, &c., continue free from a general destruction, upon such a turning from their violence, until the heavens and the whole world be with fire consumed.
Peace. The second scripture is that speech of the Lord Christ, Luke xxii. 36, He that hath not a sword, let him sell his coat and buy one.