that he would punish it too by a deluge that should overwhelm the whole earth. Moreover, the ark was gradually prepared in their sight ; so that at least they must see that the preacher believed his own declarations. In like manner, the inhabitants of Sodom were warned by Lot, who " vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds." But, as Noah was doubtless regarded as little better than a maniac, so, Lot's words, we are told, appeared, even to his own relatives, as idle tales ; " he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons-in-law." This it was that chiefly aggravated the guilt of the persons referred to : they were called, but they would not answer ; they were warned, but they would not hear : they cast God's words behind them, and set at nought all his threatenings, and poured contempt upon all his messages of love and mercy. Such was their state in the days of old.]
And similar to it will be the state of the world at the last day —
[Should we attempt to describe the state of the world at this hour, where could we find words more proper to represent it than those in the text ? We may appeal to all, whether the great mass of Christians, no less than of heathens, be not divided between the two pursuits of business and pleasure ? Into how many companies may you go, before you will find a person that seriously inquires, "Where is God my Maker?" We might here speak of the open sins which are every where committed without shame and without remorse : but we purposely omit the mention of any gross sin whatever, and confine ourselves to the things specified in our text as characterizing the most inoffensive part of the antediluvian world, and of the inhabitants of Sodom ; because it is to the more inoffensive part of the community that we now more especially address ourselves : and we ask whether the text be not a faithful picture of them? In particular, is not serious religion held up to scorn ? and are not the promoters of it considered as " the troublers of Israel?" Blessed be God, the ark is rearing in the midst of you ; and there are a few who boldly protest against the impiety that prevails : but how few improve the warnings that they hear, or set themselves in earnest to flee from the wrath to come !
Nor is this picture less descriptive of those who will be alive at the day of judgment. The same carnal enjoyments will be sought then as now ; the same criminal security will obtain ; and the same contemptuous unbelief will decry all need of vital godliness. The people of that generation will be warned, even as you have been ; and they will regard the messages of God as the dreams of gloomy superstition, or the reveries of enthusiastic folly. This state of things will continue even to the very moment that Christ shall come to judgment, precisely