Wesley Corpus

For, whether you are aware of it or no, there is a God; a God who, though he sits upon the circle of the heavens, sees and knows all that is done upon earth. And this God is holy; he does not love sin; he is just, rendering to all their due; and he is strong, there is none able to withstand him; he hath all power in heaven and in earth. He is patient indeed, and suffers leng; but he will at last repay the wicked to his face. He often does so in this world; especially when a whole nation is openly and insolently wicked. Then doth God “arise and maintain his own cause;” then doth he terribly show both his justice and power; that if these will not repent, yet others may fear, and flee from the wrath to come. 7. There hath been, among them that feared God, a general expectation, for many years, that the time was coming when God would thus arise to be avenged on this sinful nation. At length the time is come. The patience of God, long pro voked, gives place to justice. The windows of heaven begin to be opened, to rain down judgments on the earth. And yet, with what tenderness does he proceed ! in the midst of wrath remembering mercy. By how slow degrees does his vengeance move | Nor does his whole displeasure yet arise. 8. Brethren, countrymen, Englishmen, what shall we do; to-day, while it is called to-day, before the season of mercy is quite expired, and our “destruction cometh as a whirlwind?” Which way can we remove the evils we feel? which way prevent those we fear? Is there any better way than the making God our friend? the securing his help against our enemies? Other helps are little worth. We see armies may be destroyed, or even flee away from old men and children. Fleets may be dashed to pieces in an hour, and sunk in the depth of the sea. Allies may be treacherous, or slow, or foolish, or weak, or cowardly; but God is a friend who cannot betray, and whom none can either bribe or terrify. And who is wise, or swift, or strong like him?