"do ye even so unto them." These are notorious facts and demonstrate that notwithstanding all appearances, "The people turneth not to him that smiteth them, "neither do they seek the LORD of Hosts." And though the present scarcity seems to have given a temporary check to the excessive luxury that prevailed, and to have called forth a very commendable spirit of humanity to the indigent; yet other symptoms prove this to be merely a partial and occasional effort; and we may still say, that with comparatively a very few exceptions, "the whole head is sick and the whole heart is "faint." So that "except the LORD of Hosts had left "us a very small remnant, we should have been like "Sodom and Gomorrah.”

IV. Then we observe, that this circumstance may justly excite serious alarms, concerning the event of our present difficulties.

If we were, as a nation, generally united in turning to the LORD, and strenously seeking a revival of genuine Christianity: neither the number, courage, or vio lence of our foes; the wavering or dubious conduct of our allies; the weight of taxes and publick encumbrances; nor even the scarcity of provisions, could give alarm in respect of the future, to a mind accustomed to judge according to the scripture. But an opposite conduct, in a nation favoured like Britain with every advantage for religious improvement, must excite serious apprehensions for the consequences. N doubt we stand in the same relation to the LORD, that

Israel did of old, and must expect to be dealt with according to the same measure. Nations, as well as individuals, which have not known the will of God, may be beaten for their crimes with few stripes: but we, who have had the most abundant opportunities of learning his truths and precepts, yet have pertinaciously continued in disobedience, must expect to be beaten more severely. "You only have I known of all "the families of the earth; therefore will I punish you "for all your iniquities."*

Let us attend to the words of the prophet, " In that

day did the LORD GOD of Hosts call to weeping "and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding "with sackcloth; and behold, joy and gladness, slay"ing oxen and killing sheep, eating flesh and drink

ing wine: let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we "die." Sennacherib's invasion was a divine call to fasting, mourning, repentance, and prayer: but the people united excessive sensual indulgence, with infidel principles and daring impiety. "And it was re"vealed in mine ears by the LORD of Hosts; surely "this iniquity shall not be purged from you till ye "die."* Alas, does not the spirit and conduct of men in general, throughout our land, so exactly accord to this description, that a serious mind cannot but dread the denunciation of a like sentence against us?—Thus Amos also warned the Jews and Israelites in his time. "Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust " in the mountain of Samaria.-Ye that put far away

* Amos iii. 2. VOL. II.

Y Y

† Isai. xxii. 12-14.

"the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to draw "near. That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch them"selves upon their couches; that eat the lambs out of "the flock, and calves out of the midst of the stall:

that chaunt to the sound of the viol, and invent to "themselves instruments of musick like David; that "drink wine in bowls, and anoint them with the chief "ointments; but they are not grieved for the affliction "of Joseph. Therefore shall they go captive with the "first that go captive: and the banquet of them that "stretched themselves shall be removed. The LORD "God hath sworn by himself, I abhor the excellen

cy of Jacob and hate his palaces: therefore will I "deliver up the city with all that is therein."* And in another place" I have given you cleanness of "teeth in your cities, and want of bread in all your

places: yet have ye not returned unto me saith the "LORD. I have withholden the rain,-yet have ye "not returned unto me.-I have smitten you with

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blasting and mildew;-I have sent pestilence upon

you. I have overthrown some of you, as GoD "overthrew Sodom, and ye were as a firebrand pluck"ed out of the burning: yet have ye not returned unto "me saith the LORD. Therefore thus will I do unto "thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee,

prepare to meet thy GoD, O Israel." If the people would not return to the LORD, when he corrected them as a Father, let them prepare to meet him as an avenging Judge.

Amos vi. 1-8.

† Amos iv. 6 13.

In this case the form of godliness or profession of Christianity, will avail nothing. "To what purpose "is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith "the LORD. I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, "and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the "blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he-goats. When

ye come to appear before me, who hath required "this at your hands, to tread my courts? Bring no "more vain oblations, incense is an abomination unto

me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of as"semblies, I cannot away with: it is iniquity, even the “solemn meeting. Your new moons, and your ap

pointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble to " me, I am weary to bear them. And when ye spread "forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: "when ye make many prayers I will not hear. Your "hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean, put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judg"ment, relieve the oppressed, &c."*"They seek me daily and delight to know my ways, as a nation that "did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of "their GoD: they ask of me the ordinances of justice, "they take delight in approaching to Go D. Is not this "the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of "wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free; and that ye break every yoke?" "Think not to say within yourselves, "We have Abraham to our Father. Now is the axe

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"laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree "which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down "and cast into the fire."*

These scriptures, to which many more might properly be added, abundantly prove that no external humiliation, or publick honour put upon GoD and religion, can procure more than a respite to a guilty nation, unless repentance and works meet for repentance be connected with them. Such an outward shew of contrition Ahab exhibited, and a reprieve was granted him: but the destruction of him and his family was not averted.

We are not authorized to say at what time, or in what manner, the LORD may see good to be avenged on such a nation as this. He deals with collective bodies and with individuals in some respects according to the same rules. Young persons having heard the wrath of GOD denounced against sin, frequently venture upon flagrant vices with considerable apprehensions: but escaping with impunity, they grow bolder in wickedness, and are apt to conclude the threatenings of scripture to be mere empty words. Thus, "Because sentence against an evil work is not execut"ed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men "is fully set in them to do evil." But "He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall sudden"ly be destroyed and that without remedy." Some are cut off in youth, others are spared, and persist in

Matt. iii. 7-12

† Eccles. viii. 11.

Proy. xxix. 1.