phenomena of the present times, do we not see symptons of a fearfully disordered state of the social body? And do we not, and have we not, witnessed, at the same time, such heavings to and fro-such shakings up and down-in respect of public confidence and public opinion-as indicate to us the approach of some moral earthquake, which threatens to convulse not our nation only, but all the nations of the earth?

Comparing this state of things with our own fearful expectations on account of neglect of duty; comparing it, moreover, with the prophetic relation in the Sacred Scriptures of the character of the last days, and of the judgments then to be poured upon corrupt Christendom, we cannot but perceive the exact resemblance; and perceiving it, we it, we cannot but tremble. Surely, "the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate; and He shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it." (Isaiah, xiii, 9.) Surely, we have had our day of grace: soon must come the day of reckoning. Surely, O England, thy sun, which did shine so brightly, is now hastening to go down-O that it may not set in total darkness, or in blood!

No

But is there no way of escape left? means of averting the blow? No method of preserving our national prosperity, and of preventing the day of visitation? There is but one hope, and that we fear little suited to the taste of the present day :-it is not in the wisdom of our statesmen, not in the proud array of our armies and navies, nor in the skill and valour of their leaders; nor does it depend on the question, whether this or that party holds the helm of Government: but our only hope is in the tender mercy and forgiving love of our God, if in earnest prayer-in true repentance and deep humiliation of heart, we turn unto Him. Let them "return unto me (He saith); and I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely; for mine anger is turned away from them." Yes! if we turn from our evil way -from our cold-hearted formality, our desecration of holy things, our pride, and the wickedness of our doings, then the Lord will turn away His wrath from us, and will repent of the evil which He had threatened to bring upon us. Thus, and thus only, we shall regain His favor, and enjoy "a lengthening of our prosperity."

But if we refuse so to humble ourselves before Him, His challenge to us must be heard, " Prepare to meet thy God!" Then will He "draw

His glittering sword, and His hand take hold on judgment:" then will He laugh at our calamity, and mock when our fear cometh."

If such be the case-if such an outpouring of wrath be determined-who shall be able to stand? Woe indeed to the wicked, when God riseth up, and the Almighty visiteth! But the few-oh! may God increase the number of them!—the few "that sighed and that cried for all the abominations that were done in the midst of the land," they shall be safe:—the mark of God shall be set upon their foreheads, and the Lord himself shall be their sanctuary, their shelter, their hiding place, until the indignation be overpast.

But, oh! may that God, whose darling attribute and whose name is Love-may He, for his infinite mercies' sake in Jesus Christ, pour down His Holy Spirit, without whose aid we can do nothing :-may He pour down the Spirit of grace and of supplications upon us and our country; that not a few only, but all-young and old, rich and poor-may with one heart and one voice cry mightily unto Him: "Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the

people, Where is their God? Then will the Lord be jealous for His land, and pity His people."

But if, O England, all the warnings of thy God are lost upon thee, then thy doom is sure. Loaded as thou hast been with privileges and mercies, and blessings, and not having used them, as thou oughtest to have done, to the honour of the bounteous Giver, "it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment than for Thee."

FINIS.

HUNTINGDON; PRINTED BY ROBERT EDIS, HIGH STREET.

POPERY, WHETHER OF PAST, OR OF PRESENT TIMES,

SHEWN TO DISHONOUR THE WORD OF GOD,
AND TO OBSTRUCT ITS FREE DIFFUSION.

A SERMON,

PREACHED ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1835,

IN ALL SAINTS' CHURCH, WORCESTER,

BY THE

REV. T. DAVIS, A. M.

CURATE OF ALL SAINTS'.

WORCESTER:

PUBLISHED BY R. CHILD, 66, HIGH-STREET.

SOLD IN LONDON,

BY RIVINGTON, HATCHARD, AND SON.

PRICE ONE SHILLING.