Reformation the great duty of an afflicted people. Setting forth the sin and danger…

The words are very Emphatical; I might Observe the various manner of expressing this, which is used in the four several instances; but I shall supersede that. In our Text is contained an Hypothetical Commination, in which Observe, 1. The Hypothesis it self, ⟨p. 10⟩Verse 23. and that is, that the Judgments which have been inflicted on them, do not Reform them; they are not reclaimed by them: i. e. they remain still obstinate, in which there are several things to be Noted. 1. It is supposed that they have before sinned against the Covenant, so as to bring the Judgments of God upon themselves: they are looked upon as a People under the effects of Divine displeasure for their sins. 2. It is presumed that these Judgments so brought upon them have not obtained the proper end which was expected by them; where we have the aim or end pointed at, Viz. to Reform them. 3. It is looked upon to be after such time as God hath been more than once trying of them in this way, and yet it hath not taken effect, or proved successful. The instance in our Text, is the third case mentioned, after the fist trial of all had not succeeded. 4. The nature of this Impenitence is expressed in the Hypothesis. 1. Negatively; If ye be not Reformed. 2. Positively; but walk contrary unto me. 2. Here is the Consequent threatening in case such be the event of former trials, Ver. 24. Where is pointed, 1. The manner of his carriage towards them, I will walk Contrary to you. 2. The aggravation of the Punishment, and will Punish you yet Seven times for your Sins. I shall ⟨p. 11⟩not here tarry to Criticise upon the words; if there be any Occasion it may be remarked in the Sequel. There are several great practical Truths, suitable for the present Occasion, which may be taken up from the words, and briefly improved.

The words are very Emphatical; I might Observe the various manner of expressing this, which is used in the four several instances; but I shall supersede that. In our Text is contained an Hypothetical Commination, in which Observe, 1. The Hypothesis it self, ⟨p. 10⟩Verse 23. and that is, that the Judgments which have been inflicted on them, do not Reform them; they are not reclaimed by them: i. e. they remain still obstinate, in which there are several things to be Noted. 1. It is supposed that they have before sinned against the Covenant, so as to bring the Judgments of God upon themselves: they are looked upon as a People under the effects of Divine displeasure for their sins. 2. It is presumed that these Judgments so brought upon them have not obtained the proper end which was expected by them; where we have the aim or end pointed at, Viz. to Reform them. 3. It is looked upon to be after such time as God hath been more than once trying of them in this way, and yet it hath not taken effect, or proved successfull. The instance in our Text, is the third case mentioned, after the fist trial of all had not succeeded. 4. The nature of this Impenitence is expressed in the Hypothesis. 1. Negatively; If ye be not Reformed. 2. Positively; but walk contrary unto me. 2. Here is the Consequent threatning in case such be the event of former trials, Ver. 24. Where is pointed, 1. The manner of his carriage towards them, I will walk Contrary to you. 2. The aggravation of the Punishment, and will Punish you yet Seven times for your Sins. I shall