Wesley Corpus

But is our universal impiety the first and principal cause of our misery and wretchedness in general, and of the present distress in particular? Then let no individual attempt to clear himself from the dreadful charge of being accessary to it. Let no one presume to look on himself as unconcerned and innocent. Let no one “wipe his mouth and say, What harm have I done?” but rather let him know that his sin in particular has added to the general account, and not a little contributed to the fierceness of the divine contention. I say “divine contention;” and such doubtless it is, though in general we conceive it merely human. But the latter is the effect only of the former, and should never be forgotten. It demands our first and most serious attention, being the first and principal means of restoring the wished for peace, and greatly desired reconciliation. For this is no other than to make God himself our friend; and, “if He be for us, who can be against us?” Let us do this therefore without delay. Let every one remember his own sin, and not his neighbour's. Let us follow the example of the Ninevites. Let us “break off our sins by repentance.” Let us “observe such a fast as God hath chosen.” (And, O, what need of a national fast at this juncture !) “Let the Priests, the Ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar; and let them say, Spare” (not destroy) “thy people, O Lord;” and “give not thine heritage to reproach, that the Heathen should rule over them, and say, Where is their God? Then will the Lord be jealous for his land, and pity his people.” But should this spirit of universal humiliation fail, and conse quently the divine favour upon our land, let not the seed of Abraham faint, neither let them be dismayed. Their humi liation and intercession shall be remembered. It cannot be forgotten; and, if Sodom is not spared for their sake, they themselves shall nevertheless be spared, “as a man spareth his own son that serveth him : God will make a difference between him that serveth him, and him that serveth him not.” Strong is his arm, and shall fulfil His great decree and sov’reign will. “Fear not,” therefore, ye “little flock,” if the overflowing scourge should come.