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are presented to their view; but they are destitute of that love which is the essence of genuine religion.

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3. In their conversation. This necessarily follows; for, "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." The thoughts and affections being corrupt, the conversation must be corrupt. They converse freely and frequently about the world; but God is not named, except in profane oaths, curses, and blasphemies. "Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness." Modern politeness may not admit of oaths, curses, and blasphemies, in common conversation; but it substitutes nothing that is in reality much better. Were we to go through the most polished and refined circles of the rich and great, we should hear but little either of God or Christ, of heaven or hell, except what is said on these important subjects in the way of scorn and contempt.

4. In their conduct. They stray from the paths of piety, justice, mercy, and truth; and were it not for human laws, it would be difficult to calculate the number of horrid crimes which they would commit. In short, they are proud, self-willed, covetous,

cruel, and full of deceit. There is not one sacred command of God which they do not break, not one promise which they do not neglect, not one threatening which they do not despise.

II. THE DREADFUL EFFECTS WHICH HAVE FOLLOWED.

1. God is offended. How can it be otherwise? Is it possible for men to enjoy his favour, while they trample his laws under their feet? "He is angry with the wicked every day His wrath abideth upon unbelievers." This is a most alarming consideration; enough, one would think, to terrify the most hardened wretch. We fear the anger of man, if he have power over us; but what is that when compared with the anger of God? At his presence "the mountains quake, and the hills melt, the earth is burned; yea, the world and all that dwell therein." Sinner, how wilt thou stand before him? When he ariseth in judgment, what will become of thee? I tremble for thee. O that thou wouldst tremble for thyself!

2. Light is withdrawn. The true knowledge of God is nearly lost. "For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people." How little do men know either of themselves, of God, or of Christ! How astonishingly ignorant are

they both of the nature and design of pure religion! They understand arts and sciences, trade and commerce, and whatever else belongs to this perishing world. On these subjects they converse rationally; but when religion is the subject of conversation, we evidently perceive they are in the dark. "Professing themselves to be wise, they become fools." This is the case both with heathens, jews, mahomedans, and nominal christians: they are all strangers to God and vital godliness, till the light of the gospel shines upon them.

3. Happiness is lost. Men talk about happiness. They expect it in ten thousand objects, but find it in none.

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ry, holiness and happiness, happiness, are inseparable companions. The soul of man, separated from God, cannot be happy. No created object can satisfy its large desires. Never, then, let us expect happiness in wandering from God. We can find it only in returning to him, and being made partakers of the divine nature: for, "there is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked."

4. Misery abounds. Men are mortal, and they feel a thousand pains in consequence of their mortality. "The body is dead because of sin." Some linger in pain year after year; others are hurried away suddenly by the plague, by fire, by famine, and by war,

They are scourged by the elements, and destroyed by the beasts of the field. Their "days are few and full of trouble." They are made miserable by the depravity of their nature: anger, wrath, hatred, and malice, often burn within them like the fire of hell; and, in some degree, are like the torments of hell. When these raging, tormenting passions, are still, others frequently succeed of a very painful description; such as fretfulness, discontentment, murmuring, and complaining. Reflexion upon the past gives pain, and fears of the future create distress to him who wanders from the right way.

5. Great punishments await them. They wander till they fall into the pit. Their way leads directly to it. "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." In that place of horror are felt all the dreadful effects of wandering from God. O that we may never know them by experience!

III. ADVICE TO THE WRETCHED WANDERERS.

Seriously consider your present state. You have forsaken God your maker; you have, perhaps, no desire to return; you have no power of yourselves to return; you have no means of returning, unless God in great mercy afford you the means. But what reason have you to hope for mercy?

Will he seek you, will he receive you, after all you have done to provoke him? Often ask yourselves, How will these things end? You think God is merciful, and your thoughts are right. He delights in mercy. · But will he have mercy on you while you continue to offend? How can you hope for happiness, while every sin you commit plunges you deeper into misery? Think how hateful sin is to God, and how destructive it has been to men, Abhor and detest it. Earnestly seek the way of salvation. It must be by Jesus Christ. "He came into the world to seek and to save that which

was lost." Draw nigh to God through him. Pray for mercy, and for grace to help in the time of need. Do not delay a moment. "Now is the accepted time, and now is the day of salvation.

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