press, starve, persecute, and exact on unmercifully, will demonstrate the hypocrisy of their solemn fasts, and ostentatious appearances of piety-Many, who are very demure, and seem very humble, in the house of God and at his table, are most contentious and tyrannical in their own families; and come from their devotions, to distress and harass their wives, children, domestics, and dependents, with peevish or bitter words, perverse and severe actions, nay, sometimes with enormous injustice: nor are they more ostentatious in religion, to get the good opinion of ministers and Christians, thau vociferous in rage and debates. But it is an invariable rule, that "he shall have judgment without mercy, who hath shewed no mercy:" (Note, Jam. 2:8—13, v. 13.) God will not forgive our trespasses, if we do not heartily forgive our brethren; and he will mete to us in the measure which we have meted to them. (Notes, Matt. 6:14,15. 7:1,2. 18:31—35.) No expressions of humiliation then can prove that man a true penitent, who does not "loose the bands of wickedness," renounce his gainful iniquities, and aim to mortify his strongest lusts. No man's faith justifies him, which does not "work by love;" he who loves God will love his brother also; and he who loves his brother, will do him no injury, but will be ready to do him all the good he can. The professed church of Christ has been too long amused with fasts, and external austerities in some instances, whilst men found pleasures in other things far more suited to their carnal minds; fasts employed as the cloke of avarice and oppression, and the very watch-word of persecution.-Yet, let us not confound the abuse, with the use, of this scriptural method of expressing our godly sorrow and humiliation; but, rejecting the fast which the Lord has not chosen, let us attend to that which he approves and accepts. V. 8-14. dispenses consolation to them, according to their niggardliness to his poor people.-Experience evinces, that they, who in humble faith and love, "draw out their souls to the hungry," and abound most in "devising liberal things," are most comfortable, and most honored to be useful in the church of God; (a sweet reward to their benevolent minds!) and often they have the most outward peace and prosperity. Let us then avoid, with equal caution, pharisaical pride, and antinomian sloth or selfishness: and let those, who walk uncomfortably, examine whether their conduct towards their poor brethren do not point out at once the reason, and the remedy.-True faith unites justice, mercy, and piety: in proportion as we are spiritually minded, we shall hallow, honor, and delight in the sabbaths of God; and, laying aside all employments, pleasures, or discourse, which can interrupt our sacred rest in him, we shall seek communion with him in his public and private ordinances: without any other remission, than what is really necessary, or what is a work of love to the souls and bodies of our neighbors and fellow Christians. Thus we shall learn to delight in God, and to anticipate heaven; we shall obtain the victory over the world, sin, and Satan; we shall follow those, "who through faith and patience inherit the promises;" and we shall at last be 'num'bered with his saints in glory everlasting;' for "the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it." NOTES. CHAP. LIX. V. 1, 2. This chapter continues the subject of the preceding; and begins with a further reply to those, who complained that God did not regard their fasting and prayers. (Note, 58:3,4.) What has therefore been observed, of the times to which that refers, applies to this also: and as the latter part of this chapter, and the whole of that which follows, When the external expressions and means must be understood of the millennium; so of repentance, faith, and grace, are accom- (whatever reference there may be to previous panied with the mortification of sin, reforma- situations of the Jewish or Christian church,) tion of life, and abundant exercises of love to there is some reason to think, with Vitringa, the poor and needy; despising, neglecting, and that the low state of the Reformed or Protesexcluding none from our affection or assist- tant churches, antecedent to that event, is here ance, according to our ability; we may expect predicted. If we reflect on the state of these consolation in the ways of God. Such conduct churches, in respect of evangelical truth and proves our sincerity, and honors the Lord; vital religion, we must be convinced, that they and he will honor and protect us on every have lamentably declined since the reformaside: our prayers will then be answered, our tion: and though popery may perhaps have tribulations removed, or an adequate support lost ground, though that is very doubtful; yet afforded; by the light of God's countenance infidelity, skepticism, Socinianism, impiety, we shall pass through every dark scene; he and vice of every kind, have exceedingly inwill provide for our wants, make our souls like creased. The true people of God are indeed a watered garden, and honor us with useful-chiefly to be found in those churches: yet they ness in his church; (Notes, Cant. 4:15,16. Jer. are verging, further and further, from the pu31:10-14.) for "the righteous shall be had in rity and strictness of the Gospel, in every reeverlasting remembrance." Many professed spect; except as toleration has for a time supChristians prove themselves hypocrites by a planted the monster persecution: and even contrary conduct: and many real Christians this great advantage is attended with an indif walk uncomfortably all their days, because ference about divine truth; or rather an indiftheir liberality is disproportionate to their af- ference what errors are maintained, provided fluence: their evidence of sincerity in their men be not zealous for the doctrines of the professed love of Christ, is therefore low; they reformation. We have also reason, from sevlittle honor God and he little honors them; hee: al prophecies, to expect still greater departVOL. IV. 27 [209 3 For your hands are defiled with || thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting blood, and your fingers with iniquity; and destruction are in their paths. your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness. 4 None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief,|| and bring forth iniquity. k 5 They hatch cockatrice' eggs, and weave the spider's web: he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper. S 8 The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them "crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace. [Practical Observations.] 9 Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness. a 10 We grope for the wall like the gar-blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes: we stumble at noon-day as in the night; we are bin desolate places as dead men: 6 Their webs shall not become ments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: " their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands. 7 Their feet run to evil, P and make haste to shed innocent blood; they their e 1:15,21. Jer. 2:30,34. 22:17. | brake out a viper. f Jer. 7:8. 9.3-6. Ez. 13:8. Hos. 7:3,13. Mic. 6:12. 1 Tim. 4:2. g 16. Jer. 5:1,4,5, Ez. 22:29 -31. Mic. 7:2-5. h 30:12. Job 15:31. Ps. 62:10. Jer. 7:4,8. i 3. Ps. 62:4. k 13. Job 15:35. Ps. 7:14. Prov. 4:16. Mic. 2:1. Jam. 1:15. Or, adder's. 14:29. Prov. 23: 32. marg. † Or, sprinkled is as if there 14, 15. m 30:1. 57:12. 64:6. Rom. 3:20 n 5:7. Gen. 6:11. Ps. 58:2. o Prov. 1:16. 6:17,18. Rom. 3: p 3. Jer. 22:17. Lam. 4:13. q Prov. 15:26. 24:9. Mark 7:21, c 11 We roar all like bears, and mourn sore like doves: we look for judgment, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far off from us. e ures from the faith; and grievous calamities c 51:20. Ps. 32:3,4. 38:8. Hos. 7:14. d 38:14. Job 30:28,29. Jer. 9: 1. Ez. 7:16. e Ps. 85.9. 119:155. f 1:4. Ezra 9:6. Jer. 3:2. 5:3 -9,25-29. 7:8-10. Ez. 5.6. 7:23. 8:8-16. 16:51,52. 22:212,24-30. 23-2,&c. 24:6-14. Hos. 4:2. Matt. 23:32,33. 1 Thes. 2:15,16. professed people of God, here described, were guilty of murders, rapines, perjuries, lies, and impiety: none of them demanded justice on delinquents, or pleaded for the truth; either the truth of God's word, or the truth of the causes which came before them. (Notes, Jer. 5:1,2,26–31. 7:3—11. Ez. 22:1-16,24-30.) They trusted in vanity and deceit, and used lying pretences in defending their conduct: they conceived mischief to their neighbors in their hearts, and thence brought forth iniquity in their lives. (Note, Jam. 1:13-15.) With great ingenuity and assiduity they accomplished those projects, which proved pernicious or useless; "hatching cockatrice' eggs, and wearing the spider's web:" so that he who shared in the fruits of their labor, was seduced into destructive errors and iniquities, or involved in ruin; and when advantage was expected, from their ingenious schemes and persevering efforts, and the egg, so to speak, was hatched, viper burst forth for their destruction. Nor could their ingenuity in devising schemes, (as the spider frames its web from its own bowels,) to deliver or save themselves, become garments to cover them, or their own works jus V. 3-8. The foregoing chapter contained 'a severe reproof of the Jews, for their hypoc-tify them: indeed they would appear to be risy... This chapter contains a more general works of injustice and violence. (Notes, 28:20. 'reproof of their wickedness, bloodshed, vio- 57:11,12.) They lost no time, and spared no lence, falsehood, and injustice. At v. 9, they pains to do evil, and to shed innocent blood: 'are introduced as making an ample confes- all their thoughts were employed about iniqui'sion of their sins, and deploring their wretch-ty; and wherever they went, devastation and 'ed state in consequence of them. On this act 'of humiliation a promise is given, that God, in his mercy and zeal for his people, will 'rescue them from this miserable condition; 'that the Redeemer will come as a mighty hero 'to deliver them: he will destroy his enemies, 'convert both Jews and Gentiles to himself, 'and give them a new covenant and law, which 'shall never be abolished.' Bp. Lowth. The destruction attended their paths. They had no acquaintance with the ways of peace, judg ment, and justice; and they walked in such crooked and winding paths of subtle policy and selfishness, that none, who go in them, can know any thing of peace with God, or true peace of heart and conscience. (Notes, 48:20 -22. 57:20,21. Ps. 125:4,5. Rom. 3:9-18.)Alas! how exactly does this correspond with plied before thee, and our sins testify and wondered that there was no intercessor: against us: for our transgressions are with us; therefore his arm brought salvation unto and as for our iniquities, "we know them; him, and his righteousness it sustained him. 13 In transgressing and lying against 17 For he put on righteousness as a the LORD, and departing away from our breast-plate, and an helmet of salvation God, 'speaking oppression and revolt, con-upon his head; and he put on the garments ceiving and uttering from the heart words of vengeance for clothing, and was clad of falsehood. t with zeal as a cloke. m k 14 And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. 15 Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil *maketh himself a prey: and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment. 16 And he saw that there was no man, g Jer. 14:7. Hos. 5:5. 7:10. Rom. 3:19,20. b Ezra 9:13. Neh. 9:33. Dan. 9:5-8. i 32.6 57:11. Ps. 78:36. Jer. 1 Jer. 5:23. 9:2-5. Matt. 12: 1-3. n 48:1. Ps. 5.9. 12:1,2. Jer. 5: o Hab. 1:13,14. Acts 9:1.23. * Or, is accounted mad. 2 Heb. was evil in his eyes. p 50:2. 64:7. Gen. 18:23-32. the conduct and character of very numerous protestant Christians, in every quarter of the globe. 8 18 According to their ‡ deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompense to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompense. 19 So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. 20 a And the Redeemer shall come to q 52:10. 63:3-5. Ps. 98:1. x 1:24. 49:25,26. 63:3,6. 66:15. Ps. 21:8,9. Lam. 4:11. Ez. 5: 13. 6:12. 38:18. Nah. 1:2. Luke 21:22. Rev. 16:19. 19: 15. mous wickedness among those, who professed to be his worshippers. V. 16-19. When it might have been exV. 9-15. The pious remnant here lament pected, that the Lord would denounce or inflict the public calamities, the decay of religion, and the severest vengeance on those, who had so the darkness which rests upon their path. greatly provoked him; behold he appears, to (Notes, 50:10,11. 58:8-12.) Because of the introduce the most glorious triumphs of his enormous wickedness of the professed people || grace! (Notes, 43:22-28. 44:1-5,21,22.) When of God, he stood at a distance; and did not ex- none in comparison were left to protest against ecute judgment between them and their avow- the wickedness which prevailed, or to intered enemies, and they were unjustly oppressed cede with God to interpose and fulfil his promwithout redress. They waited for more pros-ises; (Notes, 64:6-8. Jer. 5:1-6. Ez. 22:30.) perous times and brighter prospects; but the darkness continued to increase: they groped for the wall to lean against, or to direct their path; or they wandered out of the way like blind men: they stumbled at noon, as if it were midnight; that is, they were at a loss and made fatal mistakes in the most obvious matters: (Notes, Deut. 28:29. Job 5:11-16, v. 14.) and they were neglected, as the dead are cast out into unfrequented places. Their loud complaints were like the "roaring of bears," their continual lamentation like the "mourning of doves:" (Note, 38:14,15.) whilst they in vain waited for judgment, and deliverance from their oppressors. But they confessed that by their multiplied sins, of which they were conscious, and which testified against them, they deserved all their sufferings. For rebellion, hypocrisy, apostacy from God, oppression, fraud, false-witness, and every kind of injustice abounded among them: so that truth and equity were openly perverted, trampled on, or banished. Justice is described as if it were afraid 'to venture itself among such a crew of mis'creants.' Lowth. All sincerity and integrity were openly renounced; and if any one ventured to be so singular as to make a conscience of his duty, he became a prey to his less scrupulous neighbors, or was treated by them as a fool or a madman. And no wonder, that the Lord was displeased, at beholding such enor then his own arm would effect the salvation which he intended: and his righteous regard to his promises, to the cause of godliness, and the honor of his law, and his just indignation against his enemies, would sustain him! His fixed purpose of executing justice on some, and of saving others, would be as his breastplate and helinet: but vengeance would be as his military vest; and zeal for his own glory would be conspicuous above all, as a cloke. (Notes, 11:2-5. 63:1-6, v. 5. Ps. 93:1,2. 104:1,2. Rev. 19:11-16.) Thus armed for the conflict and prepared for judgment, he would deal with men according to their deeds; executing vengeance upon his obstinate enemies, to the most regions of the earth, and receiving humble penitents to his mercy and favor. Then would men fear and worship his name from the most western regions to the most eastern; for instance, Britain, America, the East Indies, China, or Japan: and at the very time when Satan, the great enemy of God and his church, would come in to bear down all before him, by an inundation of antichristian superstition, infidelity, impiety, and wickedness; "the Spirit of God would lift up a standard," and call together his armies, to oppose his progress, and subvert his cause. (Notes, 11: 10. Ez. 38: Dan. 11:40-45. Joel 3:9-17. 2 Thes. 2:8-12. Rev. 12:13-17. 17:15-18. 19:11 -21. 20:7-10.)-There can be no doubt, the c Zion, and unto them that turn from trans-||upon thee, and my words which I have gression in Jacob, saith the LORD. d e 21 As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My Spirit that is -27. 39:25-29. Heb. 8:6 c Deut. 30:1-10. Ez. 13:30, 14. John 1:33. Rom. 8.9. 2 grand accomplishment of this prophecy is future: and as they, among whom iniquity so abounded, antecedent to this happy change, are spoken of as the professed people of God, and never accused of idolatry; and as the Lord is represented as wondering, that there was no intercessor among them; it is more natural to interpret it of corrupt and degenerate protestants, than either of the Jews who are avowed enemies to Christianity; or of papists who retain the idolatrous worship of inages, saints, and angels. (Notes, 57:9-14,17,18. 58:1.) put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever. f 51:16. John 7:16,17. 8:38. 17:8. 1 Cor. 15:3,&e. God, who have the purest creeds in their books, and the most scriptural administration of ordinances among them; and who protest against heresy, superstition, and idolatry, with decided vehemence and pertinacity; are often guilty of multiplied murders, rapines, oppressions, perjuries, lies, blasphemies, and impieties! Nay, these criminals often escape with impunity, and have able advocates retained to extenuate their guilt, and varnish over their erimes; while scarcely any venture to "call for justice, or plead for truth," through fear of reproach, and of formidable enemies! But, except the grace of God convert the heart, men will in one way or other "trust in vanity and lies," "conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity."-Not only do we find enormous wickedness among rapacious oppressors, and powlosophers often produce more specious, but still more fatal instruments of destruction. With exquisite ingenuity and persevering application, studious men hatch impious and infidel systems: these gratify the curiosity, pride, and presumption of man, and are congenial to his carnal mind and soothing to his conscience. Compositions of this fatal tendency are often framed with the most specious arguments, ornamented with enchanting elegance, and varuished over with plausible pretensions to candor, liberality of sentiment, and free inquiry. On this delicious poison numbers feed and perish; in these nests are hatched basilisks and vipers, the brood of the old Serpent; and from thence they break forth with envenomed teeth, to destroy the souls of men. Others are not employed in so pestiferous a manner: but they ingeniously weave a spider's web, and compared with their own schemes of self-effected salvation, they despise that "righteousness of God, which is unto all and upon all that believe." (Notes, Rom. 3:21—26. 10:1—4.) Yet their webs shall not become garments; Unto them that turn from transgression in Ja- neither shall any of their devices cover the cob. (20) "Shall turn away ungodliness from Ja- shame of their nakedness, or preserve them cob." Rom. 11:26. (Notes, 1:25–27. Ez. 36:25- from detection and the wrath of God. (Notes, 27.37:23-28. Zech. 12:9-14. Rom. 11:25-32.)||28:20. Rev. 3:17—19.) And it is observable, that -Thy seed, &c. (21) Notes, 53:9,10. Ps. 22:30, 31. Heb. 2:10-13. 1 Pet. 2:9,10. V. 20, 21. The coming of the divine Redeemer in human nature, for our salvation, seems to be here immediately predicted; yet along with the effects of his gospel in the primitive times, and in all succeeding ages; and with reference to his coming, by the powerful wasters of mankind: the schools of phier of his Spirit, to purify, deliver, and enlarge his church. (Notes, 16-19. 11:1-9.) JEHOVAH here covenants with Christ as our Surety, and with those true Israelites who turn from their transgressions by faith in his name, to continue the Spirit which rests on Christ, and the words or doctrine which he has delivered to his church, among his spiritual seed, in the mouths of his ministers who preach it, and of his people who profess it, froin age to age, to the end of the world: so that "the gates of hell shall never prevail" against his truth and grace; but there shall always be a remnant to believe, profess, obey, and preach the gospel, through successive generations: till that period arrives, before predicted, but more fully declared in the next chapter; when the cause of truth and righteousness shall gain a decided, universal, and permanent victory. (Notes, Rev. 11:3-18. These verses are expounded by St. Paul, of 'that general restoration of the Jewish nation, 'which he assures us shall come to pass in the 'latter times. Rom. 11:26,27. ... God's prom'ises are only made to the penitent.' Louth. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. 1-8. protestants, who have renounced the Reformers' doctrine of justification by faith, through the righteousness of Christ alone, to trust in their own works, are in general remarkably defective in the very appearance of good When our troubles continue, notwithstand- works. Many of them deem it very meritoing our prayers, and expectations of deliver-rious not to perpetrate such crimes, as would ance, we should examine seriously and earnestly into the cause. We may be sure, that "the LORD's hand is not shortened, ... neither his ear heavy;" he is as able to save, and as ready to hear prayer, as in former times; but iniquity, unrepented, unmortified, unpardoned iniquity, will separate between our souls and God, and cause him to hide his face, and to refuse any comfortable answer: so that nothing but true repentance and faith in Christ can remove the separation, and make way for returning peace. (Notes, Josh. 7:10-12. P. O. 10 -18.)-Alas, what crimes have, in every age, filled, and defiled the earth! But it is most lamentable, that the professed worshippers of expose them to the lash of human laws; and many of them "do works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands." Indeed the feet of every man, who is destitute of the Spirit of Christ, "run swiftly to evil" of one kind or another: and the history of mankind and daily observation shew, that where the restraints of fear, shame, and hunan laws are removed, and men can do it with impunity, their mad passions render them in haste to shed innocent blood. But while they waste and destroy others, regardless alike of justice, truth, and humanity; they are themselves strangers to peace and comfort: others watch their oppor tunity of retaliation; and their crooked paths * e the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. 3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy ARISE, shiney for the light is come, light, and kings to the brightness of thy and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. d 2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover a 52:1,2. Matt. 5:16. Eph. 5: 14. Phil. 2:15. *Or, be enlightened, for thy light cometh. b 19,20. 9:2. Matt. 4:16. Luke 1:78:79. John 1:9. 3:19. 8:12. 12:46. Eph. 5:8. Rev. 21:23. 22:5. c Luke 2:32, 1 Pet. 4:14. d Matt. 15:14, 23:19,24. John 1 Pet. 2:9. Eph. e Lev. 9:23. 9:12. Mic. 4:1,2. Zech. 2:11. 8:20-23. Matt. 2:1-11. 28: 19. Luke 24:47. John 12:20, 21,32. Acts 13:47. 15:17. Rom 11:11-15, 15.9-12. g 10,16. 49:7,23. Ps. 2:10. 68: 29. 72:11. 138:4. Rev. 11:15. 21:24. lead them far aside from the way of peace and professing the doctrines of the reformation. salvation. (Note, Ps. 119:155.) V. 9-21. Indeed the astonishing changes, which have taken place, in this land, and on the continent, and in the East, since these observations were first written, (1790,) and the establishment of Bible Societies, and Mission Societies, in such an extensive manner, since that crisis, are an evident fulfilment of this prophecy: especially by the British and Foreign Bible Society, the "Spirit of God has lifted up a standard" against the deluge of infidelity which preceded, and seemed ready to prevail against the kingdom of the Redeemer. Yet the enemy practises and prospers, in divers forms: and we should deeply lament the evils which still prevail; but we need not despond: the covenant stands sure with our Redeemer and his whole family; and every one, whom he has "turned from transgression," may take comfort from it. His Spirit shall be communicated and his truth continued in his church, to the end of the world, in defiance of all the power, subtlety, and malice of earth and hell: and his cause shall as certainly gain a complete victory on earth; as every true believer becomes more than conqueror, when the Lord receives him to his glory in heaven. NOTES. When the general character of any church or community, where Christianity is professed, becomes corrupt and abandoned, it is reasonable to expect, that it will be left in the hands of its enemies: and vain will be the hope of deliverance or prosperity, without repentance. For their heinous crimes, men are given up to be deluded and infatuated; to grope, and stumble in the clearest and most obvious concerns; and to proceed from one delusion and calamity to another, till they sink into the dark pit of destruction. They may complain, and groan, and murmur, under their calamities, and make trial of many and varied methods of deliverance: but nothing will effectually profit them, so long as they reject Christ and his gospel, and go on in impenitent wickedness: and the few, who are not utterly blinded, will readily perceive the justice of God in all their miseries, whilst they witness such multiplied and continued iniquities. Should the Lord thus visit this protestant land, would not our transgressions testify against us? Could it be denied, that we have grievously offended "in transgressing, and lying against the LORD, in departing from our God;" in oppression and rebellion; and in the most scan- CHAP. LX. V. 1-3. (Notes, 30:23-26. 49:18 dalous and base prevarication, or direct false--23.) Nothing occurs in the history of the hood, in the most sacred ordinances, solemn Jews after the captivity, which at all accomprofessions and subscriptions? Alas! “judg-plished the prophecy in this chapter. That ment is," in many respects, "turned backward, and justice standeth afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth, and he that departeth from evil" often "maketh himself a prey," or is deemed a prodigy and a derision: "this, the LORD seeth, and is displeased." But we have yet a considerable number of exceptions to the too general rule: many still venture to protest against the wickedness of the times, and present continual supplications, through our heavenly Advocate, for the revival of religion, and the purity and enlargement of the church. What it may please God to do with us as a nation, we know not: but if none be left to intercede, his own arin will accomplish his predicted salvation, and "his righteousness will sustain him," in preserving and enlarging his church. Armed with "the breast-plate of righteousness, and the helmet of salvation," and arrayed with the garments of vengeance and zeal, he will ere long go forth, crush his enemies, and spread his gospel from shore to shore, throughout the earth. (Marg. Ref.) So that, in every sense, when the enemy of our souls comes in like a flood, we may expect that the Spirit of God will lift up a standard against him. Let us then plead this promise in respect of the progress of infidelity, heresy, and impiety, which seem about to deluge our land, and the nations nation never enjoyed such permanent peace |