Let us then, as it becomes us, proceed with all fidelity to shew, III. The evil and danger of such a state —
What can be more unsuitable to our condition ?
> This statement must of course be adjusted to the existing cir- cumstances, but with a clear reference to the preceding context, vcr. 7—11.
[What should we think of a child or servant that should manifest such a spirit under our rebukes ? Does such conduct then become us towards God, when he is contending with us, and chastising us for our sins ? Yea, are we not as devoid of humanity as of piety, while we feel no sympathy with the thousands of our suffering fellow-creatures? Well says the prophet on a similar occasion, " Should we then make mirth''?" Surely it becomes us rather to " cry and howl " for the miseries that are come upon us, or at least impending over us.]
What can be more offensive to God 9
[The word " surely" is equivalent to an oath' : and is it a light thing which causes Jehovah to swear by his own life and immortal perfections ? Is it a small matter that causes " the Lord God of hosts™" to shut up his tender mercies, and to swear that the guilt of such or such an action shall " never be purged away ? " Must not that be beyond measure offensive to him, that can fill his breast with such " fiery indignation ? " The sins that have brought down his chastisements are doubt- less great ; but an obstinacy under those chastisements which are intended to reform us, is but too probably a forerunner of our utter excision",]
What can be more destructive in its consequences ?
[The nation cannot be delivered but by means of a na- tional repentance : nor can any individual escape the eternal wrath of God, but by means of his own personal repentance". If there be only one impenitent transgressor in the w^iole kingdom, " God will search him out with candles," in order to punish him P." Even in his present dispensations God will put a difference between those who mourn for sin, and those who are at ease in Zion'i; but much more in his decisions at the day of judgments Whether therefore we consider our na- tional or our personal danger, it becomes us instantly to put away our unbelief and impenitence, and to turn to God with the deepest contrition.]
Address —
[It may be thought that the injunctions given to the Jews, had respect to them rather than to ourselves. Let an apostle then be heard in confirmation of the prophet ; and let us depart
k Ezek. xxi. 9, 10, 12. i Heb. vi. 13, 14.
"^ This title, being thrice repeated, is very emphatical.
" Jer. vii. 12 — 16. Such also is the import of that threatening, Amos iv. 12. the ground of which is Jive times repeated from vcr. G. to 11.
» Luke xiii. 3. p Zeph. i. 12.
«J Amos vi. 1, .3 — 7. Ezek. ix. 4, 5.
' Tr,ai. V. 11, 12. and Ixv. 12—14.