been experienced by thousands, who yet have " turned back with the dog to his vomit, or the sow to her wallowing in the mireP'." Let it be remembered therefore, that if we dissemble
with our God, his sword shall certainly overtake u.s i
You have been long and faithfully warned of your danger; and if you despise the admonitions of the weakest of God's servants, it will ensure and aggravate your eternal con- demnation"^.]
2. Of encouragement —
[It is not said of him in vain, that " with him there is mercy and plenteous redemption." Do but bear this in mind, and you will frequently put yourselves in the posture of Ahab, and " walk softly" before him all the days of your life. Were it only temporal deliverance that you were authorized to expect, it would be right to mourn as Ahab did : but when God pro- mises to multiply his pardons beyond the utmost reach of your sins % you may be sure that nothing shall ever be wanting to those who seek him with their whole hearts. O that God might now see in us occasion to address the angels as he did Elijah; See how those people humble themselves before me! Because they so humble themselves, and " wash in the foun- tain" of their Redeemer's blood, " their iniquities shall all be blotted out," and " cast behind me into the depths of the sea!"]
P Ps. Ixxviii. 34 — 37. Hos. v. 15. q Jer. xlii. 20 — 22.
r 2 Chron. xxxvi. 12, 17. « Isai. Iv. 7. Rom. v. 20.