Prov. xxix. 1. He that being often reproved, hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly he destroyed, and that tvithout remedy.
AWFUL, most awful, is this declaration ; yet is it most salutary, and worthy of the deepest attention. Many indeed imagine that it is suited only to the dispensation of the Law : but it is no less suited to us under the Gospel. The Gospel does not consist of promises only, but of threatenings also : and St. Paul himself tells us, that " the day of the Lord will so come as a thief in the night ; and that when men are saying, Peace and safety, then will sudden destruction
come upon them as travail upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape''."
But in discoursing on such a subject, we would exercise all imaginable tenderness : and we entreat all who are here present to lift up their hearts to God, and to implore the effectual assistance of his good Spirit, that they may be enabled to " tremble at his word," and to '' receive it with meekness, as an en- grafted word, which is able to save their souls."
There are two things here to which we would draw your attention ;
I. The character described —
God, with much patience and long-suffering, re- proves the sinners of mankind —
[In a variety of ways he administers reproof. At all times lie speaks, silently indeed, but powerfully, to men in hisivord. Every sin is there depicted in its proper colours, and marked as an object of his righteous indignation. There especially we hear him denouncing his judgments against impenitence and unbelief: " Except ye repent, ye shall all perish:" " He that believeth not, shall not see life ; but the wrath of God abideth on him ." There too do we find him requiring of us, tliat we become "new creatures in Christ Jesus ;" and declar- ing, that " except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." In short, every thing that is necessary for
us either to know or do, is there revealed and in every
part of it God himself is addressing us day and night
He reproves us also by his Providence. Every one of his dispensations towards us has a voice, to which we should give heed, and from which we may gain the most valuable instruc- tion. Does he summon to his tribunal a neighbour, a friend, a relative? He says to the survivors, " Prepare to meet your God." Does he make a severer inroad on your domestic circle, by cutting off the olive branches that were round about your table, or by " taking away the desire of your eyes with a stroke?" He bids you to seek all your happiness in him alone. By every change of whatever kind, he tells you that " this is not your rest." Nor does he speak less by mercies than by judgments. Every gift is sent to draw you to him as the Donor ; and every instance of " his goodness and long-sutfering and forbearance is intended to lead you to repentance."
Further, he reproves us also by his Spirit. Who amongst us has not often heard his still .small voice, saying to us,
^ 1 Thess. V. 2, 3.