vengeance on account of sin. Scarcely had the world existed fifteen hundred years, before wickedness abounded in it to such a degree, that " God repented that he had made man." On this account, he determined to destroy the world: and for that purpose he sent a deluge, which soon covered the face of the whole world, and overwhelmed every living thing, with the exception of those which, with Noah and his family, were assembled in the ark.
Another instance of God's displeasure against sin has been manifested in the dcslructio7i of Sodom and the cities of the plain. Grievous beyond measure, and beyond sufferance, was the iniquity of those cities. Yet, if only ten righteous persons had been found in them, God would have spared the whole for their sake. But their being one only, he rained down fire and brimstone upon them from heaven, and reduced them all to ashes, making them a terrible example to the whole world, of the vengeance that should overtake all who should thereafter live ungodly.]
From these instances it is undeniably clear, that he both can, and will, inflict judgments on sin and sinners —
[Here are facts; facts, which cannot be denied; facts, which bear upon them the stamp and character of divine agency ; facts, which speak so loudly, that we cannot shut our ears against them.
There are doubts on the minds of men : ' Can God, or will he, execute his threatenings, when, if he should proceed according to his word, so many will be destroyed? Shall the great and noble be of no more account in his eyes than the meanest of mankind? or, if some notice shall be taken of sin, shall it be so severe as we are taught to expect?' Look, brethren, into the divine records, and all these doubts shall vanish in an instant. Angels confessedly are a far more exalted race of beings than men : yet not even angels were spared, when once they had sinned against their God; but were cast headlong from heaven into the bottomless abyss of hell. But will God proceed against so many? Look to the old world, where not a human being, except Noah and his family, was saved. But shall it indeed be so terrible? Look at the cities of the plain, and see what terrible destruction was brought on them : and bear in mind, that these very judgments were intended "for an example unto them that should thereafter live ungodly." Look, I say, at these things ; and then doubt whether that judgment which is threatened shall be executed; " God will rain down upon the wicked snares, fire and brimstone, storm and tempest; this shall be their portion to drink d." If, after
d Ps. xi. 6.