exceed in enormity those committed by a mere worldly character d.]
2. It casts more dishonour upon God—
[A man who follows his own will, without restraint, does indeed cast off the yoke of God, and shews that he is deter- mined to brave all the consequences of his transgression. But a religious professor says, in effect, to all around him, ' I am God's servant ; and I render to him all the service he requires, and all that he deserves. I know my duty towards him ; and I perform it.' But what a shameful reflection does this cast on God! What! Does he require no more than this? Then he can never be considered as " glorious in holiness." And does he deserve no more than this ? Then surely he has but little excellency in himself, and has done but little for us. But what horrible impiety is there in such insinuations as these ! I had almost said, that the greatest enormities, in one who is pro- fessedly ungodly, are light in comparison of those which such a professor commits : and without hesitation will I declare, that Sodom and Gomorrha, with all their abominations, shall fare better, in the day of judgment, than hee.]
3. It does more extensive injury to man —
[Who thinks of pouring contempt on God on account of the impieties of a profane character? But let a man, who makes a profession of religion, transgress, and immediately religion itself is condemned, and " the way of truth is evil spoken of " on his account ; yea, and the very name of God himself also is blasphemed. If the faults of such an one be of a more venial kind, then the world plead his example, and think themselves at liberty to do, every day of their lives, what he has done occasionally under the influence of temptation : or, if his sins be more heinous, then all religious people are regarded as hypocrites for his sake ; and the ungodly harden themselves in their wickedness, and account themselves quite as good as those who make a profession of religion. Truly, to cast such a stumbling-block before men is a fearful evil ; and the certainty of such effects renders the sins of religious per- sons far more criminal than those who live altogether as with- out God in the world.]
Address —
1. Those who are careless about religion —
[You are ready to justify yourselves on this ground, that you make no profession of religion, and therefore are not hypocrites. But if we acknowledge that you are not so
d Amos iii. 2. e Matt. xi. 24.
1033.] god's invitation to his people. 35
criminal as some others, yet look at the judgments executed on Israel, and see what you yourselves must expect. Truly, a bill of divorce is that which must be put into your bosom; and
an eternal separation from your God will ensue But
see the invitation given you from the Lordf and turn
unto him whilst yet his arms are open to receive you ]
2. Those who make a profession of religion —
Take particular notice what Judah's sin was : it was, that " she turned not to the Lord with her whole heart, but feignedly." Now it is with your whole heart, that you must turn to God, if ever you would be approved by him. God said respecting Laodicea, " I would thou wert cold or hot : and because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." Be not satisfied, then, with a lukewarm state : but give yourselves wholly to the Lord, and serve and glorify him with your whole hearts ]
f ver. 12.