Part 163

1. And first then, if these things be so, and the sin of profane swearing, as hath been in some measure shewn, is so exceeding sinful, what shall we say to such unhappy men, who think it not only allowable, but fashionable and polite, to “take the name of GOD in vain;” who imagine that swearing makes them look big among their companions, and really think it a piece of honour to abound in it? But alas! little do they think that such a behaviour argues the greatest degeneracy of mind and fool-hardiness, that can possibly be thought of. For what can be more base, than one hour to pretend to adore GOD in public worship, and the very next moment to blaspheme his name: indeed, such a behaviour, from persons who deny the being of a GOD, (if any such fools there be) is not altogether so much to be wondered at; but for men, who not only subscribe to the belief of a Deity, but likewise acknowledge him to be a GOD of infinite majesty and power; for such men to blaspheme his holy name, by profane cursing and swearing, and at the same time confess, that this very GOD has expressly declared, he will not hold him guiltless, but will certainly and eternally punish (without repentance) him that taketh his name in vain; is such an instance of foolhardiness, as well as baseness, that can scarcely be paralleled. This is what they presume not to do in other cases of less danger: they dare not revile a general at the head of his army, nor rouze a sleeping lion when within reach of his paw. And is the Almighty GOD, the great JEHOVAH, the everlasting King, who can consume them by the breath of his nostrils, and frown them to hell in an instant; is he the only contemptible being in their account, that may be provoked without fear, and offended without punishment? No; though GOD bear long, he will not bear always: the time will come, and that too, perhaps, much sooner than such persons may expect, when GOD will vindicate his injured honour, when he will lay bare his almighty arm, and make those wretches feel the eternal smart of his justice, whose power and name they have so often vilified and blasphemed. Alas! what will become of all their bravery then? Will they then wantonly sport with the name of their Maker, and call upon the King of all the earth to damn them any more in jest? No; their note will then be changed: indeed, they shall call, but it will be for “the rocks to fall on them, and the hills to cover them from the wrath of him that sitteth upon the throne, and from the Lamb for ever.” It is true, time was when they prayed, though without thought, perhaps, for damnation both for themselves and others: and now they will find their prayers answered. “They delighted in cursing, therefore shall it happen unto them; they loved not blessing, therefore shall it be far from them; they cloathed themselves with cursing like as with a garment, and it shall come into their bowels like water, and like oil into their bones.”