2. Upon nations —
[When a nation is altogether ripe for ruin, God executes vengeance without any view to their reformation ; but till then he will continue to correct them with much long-suffering and forbearance. The ten successive plagues of Egypt were sent to overcome their obstinacy. The Israelites, both in the wilderness and in Canaan, were continually informed of the distinct offences for which their various punishments were in- fhcted ; and even their captivity in Babylon was intended for their good ^ We cannot precisely say what are the peculiar enormities by which we have provoked the Majesty of heaven. But it is certain that God is visiting us for sin : the calamities we this day deplore, are tokens of his displeasure™; nor can we expect a removal of them, till the end, for which they are sent us, is accomplished.]
It should be the business of this day to inquire —
II. What effect his chastisements have produced upon us ?
The rod, which is now held over us, has a voice, if we have ears to hear it". It calls us to repent of all our evil ways. But what change has hitherto been produced,
]. In the nation ?
[Every reform is talked of, except a reform of our hearts and lives. What order of men amongst us has duly improved this awful crisis ? Is not dissipation as prevalent among the higher ranks as ever ? Is there a reformation begun among those who ought above all to be examples to the flock"? Are the watchmen, whose office it is to warn others, as earnest and faithful as the occasion requires p? Are evils of any kind put away from amongst us? Or is there, even at this hour, any serious appearance of turning unto God ? Are not our very fasts a mere formal and hypocritical lip-service ? May they not even be numbered amongst our greatest sins ? Alas ! what shall the end of these things be ? The generality are altogether regardless of God's displeasure : because they do not feel in their own persons the stroke of his rod, they are indifferent about the calamities of others i. Many, like Ahaz, have even increased in their iniquities since the commencement of our present troubles'". They have hardened their hearts and refused
> Jer. xxiv, 5, m Isai. xlii. 24, 25. ° Mic. vi. 9.
° Those whom God particularly notices in the text, are " the ancient and honourable, and the prophet that teaches lies."
P Ezek. xxxiii. 6 — 8. i Isai. Ivii. 10. "^ 2 Chron.xxviii. 22.