Jer. ii. 27, 28. They have turned their back unto me, and not their face ; but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us ! But where are thy gods that thou hast made thee ? Let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble.
AMONGST the various powers which distinguish man from all the rest of the creation, is the faculty of looking forward to future events, and of receiving, by anticipation, impressions suited to them. This faculty is given to him principally for the furtherance of his eternal welfare : and, if he used it aright, he could not fail of attaining eternal blessedness. But as he abuses his other powers, so does he grievously misimprove this : he employs it for the purpose of temporal advancement ; but forgets its use in refer- ence to eternity. Hence, till affliction bring him to a juster view of his condition, he casts off all fear of God, and lives, as it were, " without God in the world." Of this God complained respecting his people of old ; and at the same time he warned them of the bitter consequences that would ensue from it ; for, if they persisted in looking to their false gods in the time of prosperity, they should have none other to assist them in the season of adversity.
From the words thus explained, we may take occa- sion to shew,
I. The conduct of sinners towards their God —
Man in every age, especially if he have any know- ledge of a Supreme Being, pursues nearly the same course, till he has been converted by Divine grace.
In the text we behold how he conducts himself,
1. In a state of ease —
[It is surprising to see how entirely men banish from their minds all thoughts of God. Though called and invited to draw nigh to him, they cannot be prevailed upon to bow their knees before him, and to seek his face in prayer3. If at any time
a Isai. lxiv. 7.