Page:Duty of redeeming the time in evil days, illustrated and enforced.pdf/20

20 appointed feasts my soul hateth; they are a trouble unto me, I am weary to bear them," Isa. i. 14.

2 The great rarity of lively experienced Christians in our day. It is the promise, Mal. iv. 2. “Unto you that fear my name, shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall." Some such there are, but alas the number of them is very small. Most of the virgins are asleep: deadness and formality, and estrangedness from the life of faith, prevail among those who are called by the Lord's name; and soul exercise is rare to be heard of. The best that can be made of our case is that, Rev. iii. 4. "Thou hast a few names even in Sardis, which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy."

9. The divisions, dissensions, and opposition one to another, that are to be found among the Lord's own saints and people. Sometimes there has been in our land a very fair separation betwixt the enemies and the friends of real godliness; so that whatever difficulties the children of God had with the common adversary, they were at one among themselves: but now, alas! it is otherwise; the Lord's own children are fallen out by the way, and those who are dear to God, and shall meet in heaven, cannot hit it upon earth. For the Lord is hiding his face from us, and we are left in a mist.

4. The Spirit of counsel and wisdom is with-held. In the management of civil and church matters at this day, that seems to be much accomplished, Isa xxix. 14. “The wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.” We are rowed into deep waters, and instead of bringing us safe back, we are carried further and further into the depths. The Lord is provoked to withdraw, and so our wounds cannot be healed. The days must needs be evil in this respect: for,

Ist, Such days cannot be thriving days for religion, and the cause and interest of God; Psal. lxxxi. 12 "I gave them up," says JEHOVAH, " unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels." When the sun withdraws in the winter, nothing can be expected but