such was the infatuation of the people, that they were as unconcerned and secure as if they had been in the most safe and flourishing condition.
It is not however our intention to enter any fur- ther into the history of the ten tribes. We shall rather draw your attention to our own personal con- cerns, of which theirs was a type and shadow : and we shall proceed to point out the causes and symptoms of spiritual decay.
I. The causes —
The two things mentioned in the text will be found among the most fruitful sources of declension in the divine life :
1. An undue connexion with the world —
[A certain degree of intercourse with mankind is neces- sary, in order to a due discharge of our civil and social duties. But if we mix with the world by choice, we shall go contrary to the commands of God, and suffer loss in our souls. We are enjoined to " come out from among them, and be separate0." God even appeals to us respecting the impossibility of main- taining with propriety any intimate communion with themd: and our Lord characterizes his followers as being no more of the world than he himself wase. But some professors of reli- gion connect themselves more closely, and involve themselves more deeply, with the world in business, than they need to do : others associate with them as companions : and others are so blinded by their passions, as to unite themselves with them in marriage. What must we expect to be the result of such con- duct? Must it not expose us to many temptations? Are we not, when so circumstanced, likely to drink into the spirit of the world, and to be drawn into a conformity to their ways ? Surely the falls and apostasies of many must be traced to this source : and it will be well if this evil do not become fatal to some of us.~\
2. A partial regard to God —
[A " cake " baked upon the coals and " not turned," would be burned up on one side, while it was altogether doughy on the other. This fitly represents the state of those who are cold and indifferent in things relating to religion, but exces- sively ardent in their pursuit of other objects. Yet what is more common than such a state? Some professors are so
c Rom. xii. 2. Ps. xlv. 10, 11. <* 2 Cor. vi. 14—17.
e John xvii. 14.