Ezek. 14:1-11 No outward form or reformation can be acceptable to God so long as any idol possesses the heart; yet how many prefer their ow devices and their own righteousness, to the way of salvation! Men' corruptions are idols in their hearts, and are of their own setting up God will let them take their course. Sin renders the sinner odious in the eyes of the pure and holy God; and in his own eyes also, wheneve conscience is awakened. Let us seek to be cleansed from the guilt an pollution of sins, in that fountain which the Lord has opened.

Ezek. 14:12-23 National sins bring national judgments. Though sinner escape one judgment, another is waiting for them. When God's professin people rebel against him, they may justly expect all his judgments. The faith, obedience, and prayers of Noah prevailed to the saving of his house, but not of the old world. Job's sacrifice and prayer in behal of his friends were accepted, and Daniel had prevailed for the savin his companions and the wise men of Babylon. But a people that ha filled the measure of their sins, was not to expect to escape for the sake of any righteous men living among them; not even of the mos eminent saints, who could be accepted in their own case only throug the sufferings and righteousness of Christ. Yet even when God makes the greatest desolations by his judgments, he saves some to be monuments of his mercy. In firm belief that we shall approve the whole of God' dealings with ourselves, and with all mankind, let us silence all rebellious murmurs and objections __________________________________________________________________

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