CHAP. XVI.
3 And say, Thus saith the Lord GoD unto Jerusalem; Thy *birth, and thy nativity is of the land of Canaan; thy father was an Amorite, and thy mother an Hittite.
4 And as for thy nativity, in the day thou wast born, thy navel was not cut, neither wast thou washed in water † to sup
The original state of Jerusalem is shewn under the emblem of ple thee ; thou wast not salted at all, & nor
an exposed infant, 1-5; whom God is represented, as rescuing, educating, espousing, and richly providing for, 6-14; but she commits the most abandoned and multiplied adulteries, 15 -34: and is threatened with most terrible punishments, 35
swaddled at all.
5 None heye pitied thee, to do any of
43. Her crimes shewn to equal those of her mother, the Hit- these unto thee, to have compassion upon
tite, and to exceed those of her sisters, Sodom and Samaria, 44-59. Yet at length she will be received to favor, and be deeply ashamed of her base conduct, 60-63.
thee; but thou wast cast out in the open field, to the loathing of thy person, in the
A GAIN, the word of the LORD came day that thou wast born.
unto me, saying,
V.6-8. The nation of Israel, of which the inhabitants of Jerusalem were the chief, was, in respect of other nations, as the vine in respect of the trees of the forest. Other nations were renowned for arts and arms, and became eminent and formidable, and the Lord used them in his providence as he saw good: but Israel was his vine , from which he looked for the fruits of spiritual worship and holy obedience. They, however, proved unfruitful, or brought forth poisonous berries like the wild vine. (Marg. Ref. f.-Notes, Is. 5:1-7.) He would therefore at present make no use of them, except as fuel to the fire of his indignation, that his justice might be glorified in their punishment. By the ruin of the ten tribes, and the preceding judgments executed upon Judah, both ends of the vine were already burned, and the Lord did not mean to preserve the middle. He had set his face against Jerusalem and Judah, as an
adversary; and
the people would be consumed by one calamity after another, till the land should be utterly desolated. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref.g -k. -Notes , 17:3-10. 20:45–48. Ps . 87: Р. О. )
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
dry fuel to the flames: and when the Lord sets his face against them, they will go from one fire to another, till they be consumed. ( Notes , Matt . 3:7-10. Heb . 6:7,8.) Let us then beware of an unfruitful profession of the gospel: let us come to Christ and "abide in him," and seek to have "his words abide in us:" then shall we bring forth much fruit, glorify God, and be approved as true disciples of the Lord Jesus; whilst the unfruitful branches will be broken off, gathered together, and cast into the fire.
NOTES.
CHAP. XVI. V.2. Ezekiel prophesied in Chaldea; but his predictions chiefly related to the Jews in their own land, and tended to corroborate those of Jeremiah; and Jeremiah, whilst he prophesied at Jerusalem, sent messages to the captives. (Notes. Jer. 29:) Thus the two prophets assisted each other, by this apparent interference with one another's work. In the foregoing chapter, the conduct of God towards the Jews had been justified, by shewing that they were an unfruitful vine: yet this was not the worst of them by far; for the horrible crimes committed by them merited the severest punishments. But pride and self-flattery rendered the people blind to all the abominations which filled Jerusalem: these the prophet was to represent to them by a parable, that they might see themselves as in a glass, and discover what manner of persons they were. ( Marg . Ref . Notes, 20:4. Is . 58:1,2.)
The condescension of God to the infirmity of his servants, in satisfying them concerning the equity and propriety of his dealings with sinners, is very great. Men are very prone to value themselves on those distinctions and advantages, which, not being productive of suitable effects on their hearts and lives, render them doubly criminal. Unholy professors of evangelical truth, and hypocritical worship-rael; but, as that was the visible church of pers of the true God, are, in his judgment, the refuse of the human species; for they dishon-erally been accommodated to the case of indi
or his name more than other sinners do, and will be rendered by him proportionably contemptible. No eminence in other endowments can avail them any thing; for fruitfulness in good works is the proper excellency of a professed Christian: and indeed, in all other things the church has generally been eclipsed by the people of the world. When the worshippers of God, therefore, do not glorify him, adorn the gospel, and serve their generation, by their holy lives; they are condemned as refuse wood, as thorns and briers, and prove as
V. 3-5. The subsequent allegory, or parable, immediately related to the nation of Is
God, and a type of his true people, it has gen
vidual believers: yet, unless this be done with great caution, very erroneous and injurious conclusions may be deduced from it. For every one must perceive the absurdity of supposing, that true believers, after conversion, actually run into all the enormous wickedness described in this allegory; so as to exceed in every abomination the worst enemies of religion. The prophet was commanded to remind Jerusalem of her base and mean original. It is evident, that the beginning relates to the whole nation of Israel; but afterwards a dis
6 And when I passed by thee, kand saw || over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, thee polluted in thine own blood, I said
unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live; yea, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live.
I sware unto thee, and entered into a
enant with thee, saith the Lord God, and thou becamest mine.
9 Then washed I thee with water; yea, I throughly washed away thy blood from thee, and I anointed thee with oil.
7 I have caused thee to multiply as the bud of the field, and thou hast increased and waxen great, and thou art come to 10 I clothed thee also with broidered * excellent ornaments: thy breasts are fash-work, and shod thee with "badgers' skin,
ioned, and thine hair is grown, whereas thou wast naked and bare.
and * I girded thee about with fine linen, and I covered thee with silk.
8 Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirta a chain on thy neck.
11 I decked thee also with ornaments, and " I put bracelets upon thy hands, and
k Ex. 2:24,25. 3:7,8. Acts 7:34. *Or, trodden under foot. Is. 14:19. 51:23. Mic. 7:10. Matt. 5:13. Heb. 10:29. Rev. 14:20. 1 20:5-10. Ex. 19:4-6. Deut. 9:4,5. Ps. 105:10-15,26-37. John 5:25. Rom. 9:15. Eph. 2:4,5. Tit. 3:3-7.
† Heb. made thee a million. Gen. 22:17. Ex. 1:7. 12:37. Acts 7:17.
ments. 10-13,16. Ex. 3:22. Deut. 4:8. 32:10-14. 33:2629. Neh. 9:18-25. Ps. 135: 4. 147:20. 148:14. 149:2-4. Із. 61:10. 62:3.
m 22. Job 1:21. Hos. 2:3,9,10. Rev. 3:17,18.
n 6. Deut. 7:6-8. 1 Sam. 12:22. Is. 41:8,9. 43:4. 63:7-9. Jer. 2:2,3. 31:3. Hos. 11:1. Mal. 1: 2,3. Rom. 5:8. 9:10-13.
Heb. ornament of orna- o Ruth 3:9.
tinction is made between Jerusalem and Samaria.-Jerusalem, though at length "the holy city," was originally built by the Canaanites; and generally inhabited by the Jebusites, who were descended from Canaan, till David took it. (Notes, Gen. 10:15-19. Judg . 1:21. 2 Sam. 5:6-8.) Yet Jerusalem's "birth and nativity of the land of Canaan," refers rather to the inhabitants than to the city itself.
Abraham and Sarah, the ancestors of Israel, had originally been idolaters, as the Hittites and Amorites were: ( Note , Josh . 24:2.) and their posterity, when they had expelled these nations, and possessed ssed their land, seemed to be their descendants, as resembling them in character and conduct. ( Notes , Matt . 3:7-10. John 8:37-40.
Rom . 4:9-17.)-Thou 4:9-17.)- Thou boastest 'to be the seed of Abraham, but thou art de'generate, and followest the abominations of 'the wicked Canaanites, as children do the 'manners of their fathers.'-The nativity of Israel, as a distinct people, may be dated from the time when the family of Jacob was multiplied into a nation.
But, at this period, they were reduced to abject slavery, and cruelly oppressed; they drudged in the brick-kilns, and were covered with the clay; their male children were ordered to be slain or exposed; they were apparently deserted of God, and in general forgetful of him, and polluted with the idolatries, superstitions, and vices of their oppressors. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . Notes , 20: 5-9. 23:3. Ex . 1:14-22. 5:12-23.
Ps . 68:13. 81:6.) Thus the new-born nation, (so to speak,) was like an infant, which was cast out and exposed, according to the barbarous custom of ancient times, and of many heathen nations at this day; which had none to wash, cleanse, and clothe it, or do any thing for it; but was left, as unpitied and loathed, to perish in the day on which it was born. This was an apt representation of the wretched and perilous condition of Israel in Egypt: and it is also a striking emblem of our original state of sin and misery. ( Notes , Eph . 2:1-3. Tit . 3:3.)
V. 6-8. Whilst this perishing infant lay defiled and trampled on in its blood, a loathsome as well as a pitiable object; the Lord passed by, beheld it with compassion, and said to it, "Live." ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . k, 1.Notes, Ex . 2:59. Luke 10:30-37, υυ . 30-34.)
p 20:5,6. Ex. 19:4-8. 24:18. 32:13. Deut. 4:31. Jer. 2: 2,3. 31:32. Hos. 2:18-20. q 4. 36:25. Ps. 51:7. Is. 4:4. John 13:8-10. 1 Cor. 6:11. 10:2. Heb. 9:10-14. Rev. 1: 5,6 .
Heb. bloods. 6.
r Ps. 23:5. 2 Cor. 1:21. 1 John 2:20,27.
s 7.
Luke 15:22. Rev. 21:2.
t 13,18. Ex. 28:5. 1 Pet. 3:3,4. u Ex. 25:5. 26:14.
x Ex. 39:27,28. Rev. 7:9-14. 19:8.
y Gen. 41:42. marg. Prov. 31: 22. Rev. 18:12.
z Gen. 24:22,47,53.
a Gen. 41:42. Prov. 1:9. 4:9. Cant. 1:10. 4:9. Is. 3:19. Dan.
Ps. 45:13,14. Is. 61:3,10. 5:7,16,29.
This is repeated, the more deeply to fix the reader's attention to that circumstance. Nothing in the character of Israel deserved his favor or attracted his esteem; but every thing was suited to excite his abhorrence and to merit his indignation: yet from mere compassion and good-will he preserved the nation. ( Notes , 20:5-9. Deut . 9:4-6. Eph . 2:4-10. Tit . 2:4-7.) He spake with power; and by his word he restrained the rage of their Egyptian oppressors, and at length redeemed Israel from bondage.
By his blessing they had multiplied exceedingly in Egypt: at length they were brought brought forth with an out-stretched arm, and formed into a p and princes of their own. The Lord also adorned them with "ornament of ornaments," ( marg .) that is, most abundant ornaments , by giving them his righteous laws and statutes; and setting up his tabernacle, and manifesting his power and presence among them; by the ark of the covenant, the pillar of fire and cloud, the solemnities of mount Sinai, and the miracles which he wrought for them. ( Marg . and Marg .
Ref . m, n.) Thus the out-cast infant grew up to be a marriageable woman, of comely form and excellently decorated: that is, Israel was prepared to be admitted into covenant with God, and espoused to him to bring up children to him.
This he had in view from the first: when he passed by, and saw the perishing out-cast, it was "a time of love;" he intended first to be a Father, and then a Husband unto her: so that "he spread his skirt over her," (Note, Ruth 3:9.) and espoused her to himself, covering the shame of her former destitute condition, taking her under his immediate protection, and ennobling her by this high and honorable relation. ( Marg . Ref . p.- Notes , 23: 4. Cant . 3:11. Jer. 2:2,3. 31:31-34.
Hos . 1:2,3.) This covenant was confirmed with an oath, or engagement to fidelity, and thus Israel became the Lord's peculiar people. And, as a wife (especially when taken from so destitute a situation, and favored in so extraordinary a manner,) is bound to the most unreserved fidelity, obedience, love, and regard to her husband; so Israel was bound by every possible obligation to a devoted attachment to God, and an entire dependence on him, as his holy worshippers and obedient servants.
powerful nation, under rulers
12 And I put a jewel on thy * forehead, ||els of my gold and of my silver, which I and bear-rings in thine ears, and a beau- had given thee, and madest to thyself imtiful crown upon thine head. ages of men, and didst commit whore
13 Thus wast thou decked with gold dom with them, and silver; and thy raiment was of fine 18 And tookest thy broidered garlinen, and silk, and broidered work; thouments, and coveredst them: and thou hast didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: set mine oil and mine incense before ⚫ and thou wast exceeding beautiful, and them. thou didst prosper into a kingdom.
14 And thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty: for it was perfect through my comeliness, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord GOD.
15 But thou didst trust in thine own beauty, and playedst the harlot because of thy renown, and pouredst out thy fornications on every one that passed by; his it was.
16 And of thy garments thou didst take, and deckedst thy high places with divers colors, and playedst the harlot thereupon: the like things shall not come, neither shall it be so .
19 My meat also which I gave thee, fine flour, and oil, and honey, wherewith I fed thee, thou hast even set it before them for a sweet savor: and thus it was, saith the Lord GOD.
20 Moreover thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hast born unto me, and these hast thou sacrificed unto them to be devoured. Is this of thy whoredoms a small matter,
21 That thou hast slain my children, and delivered them to cause them " to pass through the fire for them?
22 And in all thine abominations and thy whoredoms, * thou hast not remember
17 Thou hast also taken thy fair jew-ed the days of thy youth, when thou wast
Heb. nose. Gen. 24:22. marg . Is. 3:21.
b Gen. 35:4. Ex. 32:2. 35:22. Num. 31:50. Judg. 8:24. Job 42 11. Prov. 25:12. Hos. 2:13. c Lev. 8:9. Esth. 2:17. Is. 28: 5. Lam. 5:16. Rev. 2:10. 4:4,10. d 19. Deut. 8:8. 32:13,14. Ps. 81:16. Hos. 2:5.
e 14,15. Ps. 48:2. 50:2, Is. 64: 11. Jer. 13:20.
f Gen. 17:6. 1 Sam. 12:12,13. 2 Sam. 2:15. 1 Kings 4:21. Ezra 4:20. 5:11.
g. Deut. 4:6-8,32-38. Josh. 2: 9-11.9:6-9. 1 Kings 10:1, &c. 24. 2 Chr. 2:11,12.
h 1 Cor. 4:7. i 33:13. Deut. 32:15. Is. 48:1, 2. Jer. 7:4. Mic. 3:11. Zeph.
3:11. Matt. 3:9.
k 20:8. 23:3,8,11,12,&c. Ex. 32: 6,&c. Num. 25:1,2. Judg. 2: 12,13. 3:6. 10:6. 1 Kings 11: 5-8. 12:28. 2 Kings 17:7,&c. 21:3-11. Ps. 106:35-39. Is. 1:21. 57:8. Jer. 2:20,23-28. 3:1,2,6,20. Hos. 1:2. 4:10-14. Rev. 17:5.
1 25,36,37. m 17,18. 7:20. 2 Kings 23:7. 2 Chr. 28:24. Hos. 2:8.
n 7:19. 23:14, &c. Ex. 32:1- 4. Hos. 2:13. 10:1.
V. 9-14. These verses (continuing the allegory of an out-cast infant, which a traveller sees, and pities, and takes care of,) enumerate the several benefits conferred on Israel, from their low estate in Egypt, to the height of their prosperity and greatness in the days of David and Solomon.
The washing with water might refer to the frequent ablutions, and purifications appointed by the ceremonial law; but it included all the methods, which the Lord used to render Israel a holy nation, to purge them from the idolatries and defilements of Egypt, and to prepare them for his spiritual worship and service. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . q.) The anointing with oil, though employed on festive occasions, or preparing women for their nuptials on some occasions, ( Ruth 3:3. Esth . 2:12.
Is . 57:9.) may yet refer to the holy oil used in the consecration of the priests and the vessels of the sanctuary; and it signified the gifts and graces bestowed on numbers, for the edification and benefit of the nation, in order to their consecration to the Lord. ( Marg .
Ref . r.) The various ornaments afterwards mentioned, which doubtless accorded to the attire of females of the highest rank in those times, rep resented Israel's settlement and prosperity Canaan; the wealth, power, and honor to which they were advanced, especially under David and Solomon; the building and and enriching of the temple; and all the temporal and spiritual benefits, by which the Lord distinguished them as a people dear unto him. So that the exposed infant, being rescued and educated, and espoused to the Lord, was advanc
repsperity in
naked and bare, and wast polluted in thy blood.
23 And it came to pass after all thy
ed to be a princess, whose ornaments, raiment, and provisions were suited to her high and distinguished rank. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . s- f.-Gen . 24:22,53. - Notes , Deut . 32:13,14. Prov . 1:9. Is . 3:18-26, υυ . 18-23. 61:10,11.
Eph . 5:22 -27.)-Israel from the most abject state be- came a powerful kingdom, renowned among the nations, for the wise and equitable admin- istration of their princes, the excellence of their laws, and the prosperity and happiness of the people: this was wholly owing to "the comeli- ness" or honor which the Lord had "put upon them;" and it rendered them a complete pat- tern for other nations to copy after. ( Marg . Ref . g, h.- Notes , Deut . 4:6-8. 1 Kings 4:29 34. 10:1-9,24-27. 2 Chr . 2:11,12.
Ps . 48:1- 3.) In this, the case differs from the espousals of the meanest woman to the mightiest mon- arch: she may owe all her rank and ornaments to him; but her beauty must be the gift of the Creator.-No doubt this is emblematical of a sinner's conversion, and of the believer's priv- ileges; but the external means, or the signs, of spiritual blessings, rather than the blessings themselves, must be intended, as it is spoken of Israel as a nation.-'As the child is always 'washed with water as soon as born, (4,9.) (4, is is 'not this referred to by the use of water in Christian baptism, as the emblem of regen- 'eration?' Mede.
V. 15-22. Adultery in all cases has always, in every country, been deemed a very heinous offence, and it was by the law of God a capital crime: but it would be peculiarly aggravated in a woman, who had been favored and advanced
wickedness, (woe, woe unto thee! saith the Lord GoD;)
24 That thou hast also built unto thee an * eminent place, and hast made thee an high place in every street.
25 Thou hast built thy high place bat every head of the way, and hast made thy beauty to be abhorred, and hast opened thy feet to every one that passed by, and multiplied thy whoredoms.
27 Behold, therefore I have stretched out my hand over thee, fand have diminished thine ordinary food , & and delivered thee unto the will of them that hate thee, h the daughters of the Philistines, which are ashamed of thy lewd way.
28 Thou hast played the whore also with the Assyrians, because thou wast unsatiable; yea, thou hast played the harlot with them, and yet couldest not be satis
26 Thou hast also committed fornica-fied. tion with the Egyptians thy neighbors, 29 Thou hast moreover multiplied thy great of flesh; and hast increased thy whore- fornication in the land of Canaan unto doms, to provoke me to anger.
in the manner above described. Thus, idolatry in others might be deemed spiritual fornica tion: but in Israel it was adultery ; a violation of the marriage-covenant, accompanied with the basest ingratitude, and evidencing a most depraved state of the heart; inexpressibly dishonorable to God, when the basest idols were deliberately preferred before him; a provocation of his jealousy; a forfeiture of all the privileges of the nation, and an introduction to every other kind of wickedness. ( Marg .
Ref. i, k.- Note , Ex . 34:11–17. v . 14.) -The sacred writers in general use this allusion, because of the similarity of principles, from which idolatry and adultery originate; because both of them are extremely infamous and hateful; and, perhaps, because idolatry and lewdness commonly went together. But this prophet spake of it in an indignant manner peculiar to himself; and he exposed Israel's infamy, in language taken from the conduct of the most shameless prostitutes, and suited to mark their crimes as most loathsome and detestable. ( Notes , 23:521. Is . 57:3-10.
Jer. 2:20-30. 3:1-3,6--11. Hos. 1:2,3.)-The wretched outcast having been advanced, enriched, adorned, and prospered by her espousals to God; instead of making a suitable return for these distinguishing, gratuitous, and invaluable favors, grew proud of her beauty; and confiding in her attractions, courted the admiration of other lovers, committed adultery with them, and soon became an infamous prostitute. That is, Israel became proud of their numbers, strength, riches, reputation, and privileges; and thus departed from God, made alliances with the heathen nations, and worshipped their idols.
This was in some measure the case, from the time of the golden calf in the wilderness, through their successive generations: but it became more so in the latter years of Solomon, and afterwards when Jeroboam established idolatry in the kingdom of the ten tribes, and under the idolatrous kings of Judah till the captivity. ( Notes , 20:11-29. 1 Kings 11:1-8. 12:26-33.) The adulteress also took the garments which her husband had provided for her, and with them formed and adorned splendid tents, in which to meet her paramours: that is, Israel spent their wealth and abundance in building and decorating idol-temples, and maintaining the idolatrous worship at them. ( Marg .
Ref . I, m.- Notes , Hos . 2:1-13.8:9,10.) This the Lord 504]
Chaldea; and yet thou wast not satisfied herewith.
abhorred as base beyond example, and he determined to put an end to it: as the jealous husband refuses to support the extravagance of his wife, who spends his substance in entertaining her lovers. They had also formed their gold and silver into graven images: and though these were of various forms, both male and female; yet they are here represented as images of men, with whom the adulteress committed lewdness: and she even preferred these lifeless images to the company of her husband; that is, Israel preferred the worship of dead idols to that of the living God. ( Marg . and Marg .
Ref . n-q.) Not only did they lavish all the productions of Canaan in the service of idols: but they burned their children in the fire to Molech, who were also the children of the covenant, and devoted to the Lord in circumcision: as if a woman should not only waste her husband's wealth on her lovers, but should murder the children which she had born to him, in order to gratify them! ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . r-u. -Note, 23:4) And could such conduct be deemed a small matter, an excusable misdemeanor?
In all these abominable idolatries, they had not remembered the low and defiled condition, from which God had delivered them, nor any of the favors which he had bestowed on them. ( Notes , 3-5,60–63, v. 63. Is . 51:1— 3. Eph . 2:11-13.)
Pass through . (21) 'The verb Henebir , translated "to cause them to pass through the fire ," 'signifies also to dedicate .... ( Ex . 13:12.) So the 'words imply, that the Jews, instead of dedi'cating their first-born to God, as the law re'quired, offered them up a sacrifice to the devil 'that was worshipped in their idols.' Lowth. ( Notes , 20:25,26,30-32. 23:39.) - Polluted , &c. (22) "Wallowing." "Kicking thyself." Bp . Newcombe . (6. marg .)
V.23-29. This adulterous wife is represented, as having less and less reserve in her abandoned licentiousness. After all her former adulteries, for which a dreadful woe is pronounced on her, she builded for herself an eminent place, or a brothel, as well as made high places in every street of Jerusalem. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . z-c.) This may refer to the con duct of Manasseh and other kings of Judah. who made the temple itself the scene of their open and abominable idolatries, in addition to all their other idol-temples! So that at length their relation to God, and the temple itself;
30 How weak is thine heart, saith the || blood of thy children, which thou didst give Lord God, seeing thou doest all these unto them: things, the work of an imperious whorish
woman.
31 *In that thou buildest thine eminent place in the head of every way, and Pmakest thine high place in every street; and hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire;
37 Behold, therefore I will gather all thy lovers, with whom thou hast taken pleasure, and all them that thou hast loved, with all them that thou hast hated; I will even gather them round about against thee, and will discover thy nakedness unto them, that they may see all thy naked
32. But as 'a wife that committeth adul-ness. tery, which taketh strangers instead of her 38 And I will judge thee, as women
husband.
33 They give gifts to all whores: but thou givest thy gifts to all thy lovers, and thirest them, that they may come unto thee on every side for thy whoredom .
34 And the contrary is in thee from other women in thy whoredoms, whereas none followeth thee to commit whoredoms: and in that thou givest a reward, and no reward is given unto thee, therefore thou art contrary.
35 Wherefore, "O harlot, * hear the word of the LORD:
36 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thy filthiness was poured out, and thy nakedness discovered, through thy whoredoms with thy lovers, and with all the idols of thy abominations, a and by the
m Prov. 9:13. Is. 1:3. Jer. 2: 12,13. 4:22.
n Judg. 16:15,16. Prov. 7:1113,21. Is. 3:9. Jer. 3:3. Rev. 17:1-6.
* Or, In thy daughters is thine eminent, &c.
o See on 24.
p 25. Hos. 12:11.
q See on 33,34.-Is. 52:3.
8.-23:37,45. Jer. 2:25. 3:1, 8,9,20. Hos. 2:2, 3:1. 2 Cor. 11:2,3.
s Gen. 38:16-18. Deut. 23:17,
18. Hos. 2:12. Joel 3:3. Mic. 1:7. Luke 15:30.
t Is. 30:6,7. 57:9. Hos. 8:9,10. Heb. bribest.
u Is. 1:21. 23:15,16. Jer. 3:1,6- 8. Hos. 2:5. Nah. 3:4. Rev. 17:5. x 13:2. 20:47. 34:7. 1 Kings 22:19. Is. 1:10. 28:14. Hos. 4:1. Am. 7:16.
y 15,&c. 22:15. 23:8. 24:13. 36:25. Lam. 1:9. Zeph. 3:1. z 23:10,18,29. Gen. 3:7,10,11. Jer. 13:22-26. Rev. 3:18. a See on 20,21. Jer. 2:34.
tended to render them more odious and despicable: as even libertines despise women who are shameless in their conduct. Allured by the prosperity of the Egyptians, they connected themselves with them, and joined in their multiplied and abominable idolatries, for which they were noted above other nations. ( Marg . Ref . d.-Notes, 23:5-21.) And when the Lord frequently corrected Israel for their crimes, by wars, famines, and other judgments, and by
that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy.
39 And I will also give thee into their hand, and they shall throw down thine eminent place, and shall break down thy high places: they shall strip thee also of thy clothes, and shall take thy fair jewels, and leave thee naked and bare.
40 They shall also bring up a company against thee, and they shall stone thee with stones, & and thrust thee through with their swords.
41 And they shall burn thine houses with fire, and execute judgments upon thee in the sight of many women: kand I will cause thee to cease from playing the harlot, and thou also shalt give no hire any
more.
b 23:9,10,22-30. Jer. 4:30. 22: 20. Lam. 1:8,19. Hos. 2:10. Nah. 3:5,6. Rev. 17:16.
Heb. with judgments of women, &-c. 40. 23:45-47. Gen. 38:11,24. Lev. 20:10. Deut. 22:22-24. Matt. 1:18, 19. John 8:3-5.
с 20,21,36, Gen. 9:6. Ex. 21: 12. Num. 35:31. Ps. 79:3-5. Jer. 18:21. Zeph. 1:17. Rev. 16:6.
d 24,25,31. 7:22-24. Is. 27:9.
e 10-20. 23:26,29. Is. 3:1624. Hos. 2:3,9-13.
Heb. instruments of thin ornament.
f Hab. 1:6-10. John 8:57. g 23:47. 24:21.
h Deut. 13:16. 2 Kings 25:9. Jer. 39:8. 52:13. Mic. 3:12. i 5:8. 23:10,48. Deut. 13:11. 22:21,24.
k 23:27. 37:23. Is. 1:25,26. 2:18. 27.9. Hos. 2:6-17. Mic. 5:10 -14. Zech. 13:2.
restrain and govern all the inferior inclinations: so that strong and ungovernable lusts prove a weak and inactive mind. ( Note , Matt . 26:40,41.) How weak then must be the heart of this adulteress, who was enslaved to her lusts, and copied the most abandoned prostitutes; and yet acted with imperiousness, disdaining authority or control, and was under the power of pride and arrogance, as well as of sensuality! How senseless and irresolute must Israel be, who
delivering them into the hands of their ene-preferred a rabble of dunghill deities to the liv
mies; when he especially punished them by the Philistines, the daughters of whom are repre- sented as ashamed of the enormous idolatry of the Jews, though idolaters themselves; instead of being amended by it, they formed alliances with the Assyrians and worshipped their gods; yea, they followed every idol, which was wor- shipped by the several nations between Ca- naan and Chaldea; and still they were not satis- fied, but sought out new objects of their abom- inable idolatry. ( Marg . and Marg. Ref . e- 1. - Notes , 2 Kings 21:1-8. 2 Chr . 25:14-16, v . 14. 28:22,23.)-Thou hast defiled thyself with 'all the idolatries of the heathen, beginning 'with those which were practised by the for- 'mer inhabitants of Canaan, and by degrees learning new species of idolatry derived from distant countries, such as Chaldea. Lowth . V. 30-34. The powers of the soul should VOL. IV.
ing God! who scorned his merciful authority, and yet were proud of their abused privileges! -In one respect this harlot differed from all others: she did not commit wickedness for hire; which, though a base motive, might imply some palliation of guilt, especially when sharp necessity urged: but she was a wife, who abounded in all things; and yet, from mere licentiousness, and aversion to her husband, she prostituted herself to the basest strangers, and lavished his wealth in hiring them to come to her: that is, Israel always prospered when they adhered to the worship of the Lord; but were always impoverished and enslaved when they forsook God and ran into idolatry: and the alliances they formed with the neighboring tions, (which made way for worshipping their idols,) were very expensive at the time, and ruinous in the event. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref. [505
42 So will I make my fury toward || that loatheth her husband and her chil
thee to rest, and my jealousy shall depart from thee, and I will be quiet, mand will be no more angry.
43 Because thou hast not remembered the days of thy youth, but hast fretted me in all these things ; behold, therefore, I also will recompense thy way upon thine head, saith the Lord GoD: and thou shalt not commit this lewdness, above all thine abominations.
Notes , 2 Kings 15:19,20. 16:7–9. Is . 30:6,7.57: 9,10.)
V.35-43. The adulteress having been arraigned, and her guilt undeniably proved, the Judge proceeded to pronounce sentence. For the enormous idolatries, cruelty, and persecution of Jerusalem and Judah, the Lord had determined to gather the surrounding nations, both those with whom they had formed alliances, as the Egyptians and Assyrians; and such as had always been inimical to them, as Edom, Ammon, Moab, and Philistia; to inflict, or to witness, his judgments upon them. ( Marg . Ref . z-b.- Notes , 23:5-10. 25: Jer. 4:30,31.
Hos . 2:10-13.) Before these nations he resolved to expose the enormous crimes of the Jews, to deprive them of all their privileges, and to put them to shame and contempt: as if a woman should be stripped naked, and publicly exposed; a punishment in some places inflicted on profligate women. Thus he would condemn them for their abominable idolatries, and for burning their children in the fire, according to the judgment on adulteresses and murderers: and he would execute the sentence with jealous indignation. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . c. -Notes, Rev. 17:1-6.) He would give Jerusa
lem into the hand of the Chaldeans, who would throw down the city and temple, which the Jews had poliuted by idolatry; level their cities and high places places with the the ground; slay, plunder,
and enslave the people; and drive the remnant of them as naked captives before them. ( Notes , Is . 20:2-4. 47:1-3.) Thus they would serve Jerusalem, as men used to deal with adulterous women, whom they stoned, slew with the sword, or otherwise put to death: ( Marg . and Mirg. Ref . d-g. - Notes , Lev . 20:10-19. Deut . 13:12-18, υ . 16. 22:23-27. John 8:3-11, v . 5.) they would burn all her palaces and edifices with fire, and make her an example to other cities and nations; as the death of an adulteress warned other women not to copy her crimes. Then would the fury of the Lord rest on Jerusalem: in this manner he would terminate her idolatries, and disable the Jews from building or endowing any more idol-temples: thus his justice being satisfied, his jealousy would subside; and, having executed his purposes of vengeance, he would be quiet, and cease from his indignation. ( Marg . Ref . h-p.
dren; and thou art the sister of thy sisters, which loathed their husbands and their children: your mother was an Hittite, and your father an Amorite.
46 And thine "elder sister is Samaria, she and her daughters that dwell at thy left hand: * and *thy younger sister, that dwelleth at thy right hand, is Sodom and her daughters.
47 Yet hast thou not walked after their ways, nor done after their abominations; but, tas if that were a very little thing , thou wast corrupted more than they in all thy ways.
38,15,20,21. 23:37-39. Deut.
5:9. 12:31. Is. 1:4. marg. Zech. 11:8. Rom. 1:30,31. t 3.
0 51. 23:4,11,31-33. Jer. 3:8 -11. Mic. 1:5.
Jude 7. Rev. 11:8.
* Heb. thy sister lesser than thou.
y 27. marg. 26:6. Gen. 14:3. 19:20. Hos. 11:8.
† Or , that was loathed as a small thing. 8:17. 1 Kings 16:31.
z 48,51. 5:6,7. 2 Kings 21:9,16. John 15:21,22.
-Notes, 23:22-28,43-49. Hos . 2:1-5.)-This intimates that, after the destruction of Jerusalem, the Lord would yet have mercy on the remnant of the nation. He would, however, certainly execute this vengeance upon them for their ingratitude, because they had grieved and provoked their Benefactor by their crimes, and in order to destroy idolatry from among them.
The punishment of the adulteress by stoning her, and thrusting her through with a sword, as compared with the subsequent intimations of mercy in reserve for her, keeps continually before the mind the intent and purport of the allegory, as relating to a collective body through succeeding generations; at some times exposed to divine judgments sweeping away very great numbers, and at other times the residue brought to repentance, and visited in mercy.
So th So that, in expounding the chapter, it is very difficult to keep the allegory, and the thing hing signified by it, it, so so fully distinct as it might be desired.
I also will recompense, &c. (43) "I also have brought thy way upon thy head... yet hast not thou had consideration of all thine abominations." Old Version. 'I have punished thy 'faults; but thou wouldest not repent."
V.44-47. Those who framed or used sententious sayings, would form a proverb concerning Jerusalem, or apply an old proverb to her, and would say, "As is the mother, so is her daughter;" intimating that the nation of Israel was just such a people, as the Hittites and Amorites whom they had supplanted had been. ( Marg . Ref . q, r.- Notes , 3-5. Lev . 18:24-30.) The Canaanites had early apostatized from the God of their fathers, and were among the first idolaters after the deluge: they had loathed and abhorred the worship of the Lord, and had burned their children in the fire to their idols.
Though they had not been solemnly espoused to the Lord, as Israel was; yet he might, in some sense, be called their husband, especially when they first renounced his worship to follow after idols: and Israel had copied exactly their conduct, in apostacy from God, idolatry, and cruelty to their children. ( Marg . Ref . s, t. -Deut . 12:31. Notes , 6-22. Ps . 106:35-38.) Jerusalem had also copied the example of Samaria, called here her elder sister; because the kingdom of Israel was larger than that of Ju
48 As I live, saith the Lord God, • Sodom thy sister hath not done, she nor her daughters, as thou hast done, thou and thy daughters.
49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.
50 And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good .
51 Neither hath & Samaria committed 54 That thou mayest bear thine own half of thy sins; but thou hast multiplied shame, and mayest be confounded in all thine abominations more than they, and that thou hast done, in that thou art a hasth justified thy sisters in all thine abom-comfort unto them.
inations which thou hast done.
52 Thou also, which hast judged thy a Matt. 10:15. 11:24. Mark 6: | e Gen. 19:5. Lev. 18:22. Deut.
11. Luke 10:12. Acts 7:52.
b 28:2,9,17. 29:3. Gen. 19:9.
Ps. 138:6. Prov. 16:5,18. 18: 12. 21:4. Is. 3:9. 16:6. Dan. 4:30,37. 5:23. Ob. 3. 1 Pet. 5:5.
c Gen. 13:10. Deut. 32:15. Is. 22:13,14. Am. 6:3-6. Luke 12:16-20. 16:19. 17:28. 21:34. d 18:12. Prov. 21:13. Is. 3:14, 15. Am. 5:11,12. 8:4-6. Mic. 3:24. Luke 16:20,21.
23:17. 2 Kings 23:7. Rom. 1:26,27. Jude 7.
f Gen, 19:24. Deut. 29:23. Job 18:15. Is. 13:19. Jer. 20:16.
49:18. 50:40. Lam. 4:6. Am. 4:11. Zeph. 2:9. 2 Pet. 2:6. Rev. 18:9.
g Luke 12:47,48. Rom. 3:9
20.
h Jer. 3:8-11. Matt. 12:41,42. i 56. Matt. 7:1-5. Luke 6:
37. Rom. 2:1,26,27.
55 When thy sisters, Sodom and her daughters, shall return to their former estate, and Samaria and her daughters shall return to their former estate, then thou and thy daughters shall return to your former estate.
dah, and because Israel had led the way in open apostacy and idolatry, which Judah had followed. Nay, Jerusalem proved her relation to Sodom itself, which had been an inferior city and state, to the east of Jerusalem; for the Jews had copied the abominations of Sodom and of the other cities which had been destroyed with her. ( Marg . and Marg .
Ref . u-y.) Nor must Jerusalem take umbrage at being considered as of the same family with Samaria and Sodom: seeing she thought it a small matter to imitate their crimes; but had improved upon them and exceeded them, as if ambitious of pre-eminence and distinction in wickedness. (Marg. and Marg . Ref . z .- Notes , 48-51. 5:5 -10.
Jer . 2:33-37.) - As if that , &c. (47) "That was loathed as a small thing ." Marg . ( Note , 8: 17.) The daughters of Samaria and Sodom, signify the cities and towns dependent on them. -Samaria lay northward of Jerusalem, and 'Sodom southward, which two quarters of the 'world are expressed by the right and left, 'being placed in such a position to those that 'set their faces eastward.... Gen. 13:9.' Lowth . V. 48-51. The Lord here confirmed it with a solemn oath, for fuller assurance, that the sins of Sodom were not equal to those of Jerusalem.
Being situated in a very fruitful coun-profligate, and involved in the same destruc
try, the inhabitants of Sodom and the adjacent cities proud of their wealth and prosper
ity, indulged in luxury and sensuality, and attended to nothing but present gratification; gratification; for f which they had abundant leisure, not being constrained to much labor in so productive a region: and in general they lived in peace and presumptuous security. At the same time, they neglected to protect and uphold the poor and needy, and probably their rulers oppressed and enslaved them. In short they were proud, and despised warnings or rep reproofs, when given up to unnatural lusts; and the Lord took them away by a tremendous judgment as he saw good. ( Notes , Gen. 13:13. 18:20-32. 19:1-29.) Yet they had not sinned against so clear a light and such abundant advantages, or with so
many aggravations, as Jerusalem had done. ( Marg . Ref . a-f.- Notes , Lam . 4:6. Matt . 11:20 -24.)-Nor yet had Samaria stood it out against so many warnings and mercies, or multiplied idols, or persisted in idolatry in opposition to the efforts of several pious reforıning kings, and such a long continued succession of eminent prophets, as Jerusalem had done. ( Note , Jer. 3:6-11.) So that the conduct of the Jews tended to justify, or by comparison extenuate, the guilt of both Sodom and Samaria. ( Notes , Gen. 38:26. Matt . 12:41,42.
Heb . 11:7.) - Pride and luxury make men expensive 'in their own way of living, and regardless of 'the wants and miseries of others. ( Luke 16: 20,21.)-The ingratitude of Jerusalem was 'greater than that of Samaria; because God 'had placed his name there: whose worship 'she forsook, and profaned the temple, by plac'ing idols in it; which was a degree of idolatry 'beyond any thing the ten tribes had been guilty 'of. (5:11. 7:20. 8:6,16. 23:38,39. 43:8. 2 Kings '16:14. 21:7,9.)' Lowth .
It is highly worthy of notice, that want of charity to the poor and needy should be mentioned among the crimes, which brought tremendous judgments on abandoned Sodom: yet the poor also were tion.
V. 52-55. The Jews had proudly
judged and condemned the Samaritans and Sodomites, as justly punished: and yet their own conduct tended to justify them; for they had followed and far exceeded their abominations. ( Marg . Ref . i, k.- Notes , 48-51, v. 51. Matt . 7:1-5. Rom . 2:1-3.) As these two ruined cities had been more righteous than Jerusalem, could that city expect to escape the punishment due to her enormous crimes? Multitudes of the Jews would therefore be as dreadfully destroyed as the Sodomites had been; others would be dispersed and lost among the Gentiles, as the Israelites were. Many of the Israelites would return with the Jews after the captivity; and many of the Jews would bear
56 For thy sister Sodom was not my covenant with thee in the days of thy * mentioned by thy mouth in the day of youth, and I will establish unto thee an
thy #pride,
57 Before thy wickedness was discovered, as at the time of thy reproach of the daughters of Syria, and all that are round about her, the daughters of the Philistines, which about.
despise thee round
58 Thou hast borne thy lewdness and thine abominations, saith the Lord.
59 For thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even deal with thee as thou hast done, * which hast despised the oath in breaking the covenant. 60
Nevertheless I will remember
Is. 655. Zeph. 3:11. Luke 15: 28-30. 18:11.
* Heb. for a report, or, a hearing.
Heb. prides, or, excellencies. $ 36,37. 21:24. 23:18,19. Ps. 20: 21. Lam. 4:22. Hos. 2:10. 7:1. 1 Cor. 1:5.
12 Kings 16:5-7. 2 Chr. 28:5, 6,18-23. Is. 7:1.
Heb. Aram. Gen. 10:22,23. Num. 23:7.
1 27.
Or, spoil.
x 23:49. Gen. 4:13. Lam. 5:7. | Heb. borne them. y 7:4,8,9. 14:4. Is. 3:11. Jer. 2: 19. Rom. 2:8,9.
z 17:13-16. Ex. 24:18. Dent. 29:10-15,25. 2 Chr. 34:31,32. Is. 24:5. Jer. 22:9. 31:32.
a 8. Lev. 26:42,45. Neh. 1:5- 11. Ps. 105:8. 106:45. Jer. 2: 2.33:20-26. Hos. 2:15. Luke 1:72.
their shame by continuing in their dispersions. As they had kept the inhabitants of Sodom and Samaria in countenance by their crimes, and thus been a comfort to them; so Jerusalem should never be reinstated in her former glory, nor the Jews be wholly restored from their captivity, until Sodom and Samaria were restored likewise. This may mean, that they never would be thus restored: but it rather relates to the conversion of the Gentiles, who are frequently spoken of by the name of some nation, which was most given up to idolatry and iniquity. ( Marg . Ref . 1-q.- Notes , Is . 34: 63:1 -6. Jer . 48:47.49:6. Rev. 11:7-12, υ. 1:7-12, v. 8.) Then, and not before, should the captivity of Judah be fully restored. This took place in part in the apostolical age, but its most signal accomplishment is doubtless yet future. ( Notes , Rom . 11:11-15,25-32.)
V. 56-59. Either the Jews entirely overlooked the example, set before them in the desolations of Sodom; or, being proud of their privileges and prosperity, they would have disdained to mention so infamous a place, especially as standing in any near relation to them. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . r, s. -Notes , Is . 1:7-9, ν . 9,10-15, v . 10.) This was peculiarly the case, before the iniquity of the Jews was discovered, by the punishments inflicted on them, during the invasious of the land by the Syrians and Philistines, in the reign of Ahaz: (Marg. and Marg .
Ref . t, u.- Notes , 1 Kings 16:5-16. 2 Chr . 28:5,16-23.) but on the contrary, at the time when Ezekiel wrote, the Gentiles reproached and despised the Jews, as a most abominable people. (27. Note, Lam. 4: 13-16.) These and other judgments had come upon them for their idolatries, of which they had openly borne the shame: but the Lord meant further to deal with them after their deserts; especially ir violating their covenantengagements, which they had so solemnly ratified, but now despised as of no value or obligation. ( Marg . Ref . y, z.)
everlasting covenant,
61 Then thou shalt remember thy ways, and be ashamed, dwhen thou shalt receive thy sisters, thine elder and thy younger: and I will give them unto thee for daughters, but not by thy covenant.
62 And I will establish my covenant with thee; hand thou shalt know that I am the LORD,
63 That thou mayest remember, and be confounded, * and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord GOD.
b 37:26,27. Is. 55:3. Jer. 31:31 | f Jer. 31:31. Heb. 8:13.
34. 32:38-41. 50:5. Hos. 2:19,20. Heb. 8:10. 12:24. 13: 20.
€ 63. 20:43. 36:31,32. Job 42: 5,6. Jer. 31:18-20. 50:4,5. d 53-55. Cant. 8:8,9. 19. 2:2 -5. 11:9,10. Hos. 1:9-11. Rom. 11:11. 15:8,9,16. Gal. 4: 26,27. E.ph. 2:12-14. 3:6. e Is. 49:18-23. 54:1,2. 60.4. 66:7-12.
g 60. Dan. 9:27. Hos. 2:18
23.
h 6:7. 39:22. Jer. 24:7. Joel 3:17.
i 61. 36:31,32.
k Job 40:4,5. Ps. 39:9. Lam. 3:39. Rom. 2:1. 3:19,27. 9:19, 20.
Rom. 5:1,2. 1 Cor. 4:7. Eph. 2:3-5. Tit. 3:3-7.
ham and Israel; and even that made with the nation at mount Sinai: and he would establish with them a better and more enduring covenant.
If this at all refer to the return of the Jews from Babylon; no doubt it more directly predicts the conversion of Jews and Gentiles to Christ, and their future restoration to the church and their own land, when "the fulness of the Gentiles also shall come in." At these periods, the Jews would remember, and be ashamed of their former evil ways; and willingly receive into communion with them the worst of the heathen, when converted to Christ; the Lord will then give unto Jerusalem "for daughters," those very persons whom she had disdained to acknowledge as sisters; that is, the Gentile converts would be brought into God's family, as the children of his ancient church. ( Marg .
Ref . d, e.) This would be effected, not by the national covenant made with Israel; but by the new covenant of grace in the hands of Christ our Mediator; a covenant established upon better promises, and they would then indeed know the Lord. ( Marg . Ref . a, b. g.- Notes , 36:25-27. Gen. 17:7,8. Er . 19:5. 24: 3-11. Lev . 26:41,42, v. 42. 2 Sam . 23:5. Is . 55: 1-3, v . 3. Jer. 31:31-34.32:39-41.
Heb . 8:713. 13:20,21.) All these events would concur in humbling them for their sins; and they would then remember all their shameful behavior to their merciful God: which would cover them with confusion, and silence their boasts of being the peculiar and exclusive favorites of heaven, their complaints of the Lord's dealings with them, their self-justification, ion, and their revilings and contemptuous abuse of the poor Gentiles.
When the Lord had shewn himself reconciled to them, they would scarcely be able to forgive themselves, and would only have their mouths open before him in humbl confessions and fervent prayers, praises, and thanksgivings. (Marg. Ref . c. e. i-1.- Notes , 20:40-44, υυ . 33,34. 36:31,32. Job 42:1-6, υν . 5, 6. Jer. 31:18-20. Rom . 3:19,20. 6:21-23, v. 21.3
V. 60-63. The Lord did not, however, in--This seems particularly to refer to the case
tend finally to cast off the whole people of Israel. Of his mere mercy and abundant grace, he would remember his covenant with Abra
of the Jews, at their future conversion to their rejected Messiah when their former long rejected Messia mity will effectually silence their proud boast
ings: but it may be applied to new converts, to returning backsliders, and to true believers, who are thus instructed and disciplined by their daily experience. The conclusion of this remarkable chapter clearly predicts the abolition of the Sinai-covenant, the introduction of a new dispensation, and the union of Jews and Gentiles in the church of Christ; events against which the Jews, in the time of our Lord and his apostles, entertained the most invincible prejudices. "They erred, not knowing the scriptures:" and indeed they continue to do so to this day.
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
N. B. The peculiar arrangement of these Prac tical Observations renders it impossible to divide them according to the verses of the chapter ; the distinct subjects therefore are only separated by a break .
As men are with great difficulty made sensible of the heinous guilt of their conduct towards God, and as this conviction is absolutely necessary to repentance and faith in Christ; so it is the duty of ministers frequently to set before them their sins, with all the aggravations of them, as the appointed means of this humiliation.
None are with more difficulty convinced of their abominations than hypocrites: nor should any be reproved and exposed, with so great severity and abhorrence.Human depravity is most evident in the wickedness of those, who have been most favored with the means of becoming holy, and in the similarity, hitherto lamentably observable, between the visible church and the rest of the world; except as the former has produced the most monstrous abominations. Jerusalem has too generally appeared to be the daughter of the Amorite and the Hittite, and the sister of Samaria and Sodom.
If we could survey the Christian church, in all the various forms and places in which it has been established in different ages; we should have a picture before us, not much, if at all more attractive than this of the nation of Israel: though there has always been, in both of them, "a remnant according to the election of grace," whose pious and quiet lives have been little noticed in history.
Otherwise, the annals of the church would be the most melancholy melancholy subject that could be contemplated.-Let us turn our thoughts to the first establishment of Christianity in in the Gentile world, and especially in the Roman empire. The state of the Gentiles was indeed such, as rendered them a loathsome object in the eyes of a holy God: yet, in a time of pity and love he passed by, and said to them, as they lay perishing in sin and pollution, "Live, yea, he said unto them, Live." He planted his gospel among them, and caused Christians to multiply exceedingly.
At length, the Roman Emperors professing themselves Christians, the church grew great and honorable; Christianity became the established religion; abundance of liberty and encouragement was given to its preachers and professors; the places for public worship were multiplied, decorated, and enriched by ample donations and endowments, and the church prospered into a kingdom. But what were the consequences?
The pride, ambition, rapacity, and licentiousness, the furious contests and cruel persecutions, the superstitions, blasphemies, impostures, and idolatries, which came in, and continued to increase for ages, at length rendered the Christian Roman empire a genuine daughter of the Pagan Roman empire; and all that used proverbs might well say, "As was
the mother, so is the daughter." Nor was there ever a heathen city, or kingdom, on the face of the earth, of which the iniquities, cruelties, and unnatural lusts, the whoredom and adultery, corporal and spiritual, have not been justified, and far exceeded, by the church of Rome and her dependences; which long formed so large a part of Christendom, as to give occasion to her assuming the arrogant title of the Holy Catholic Church!
If we turn our attention to the reformed and protestant churches, which were brought forth out of this antichristian community, in a low, feeble, and despised condition, (as Israel was out of Egypt,) we shall again find cause of lamentation and shame.
When they were ready to be overwhelmed in infancy, by the merciless power of their enemies, and seemed to have no helper; when they were still polluted with many of the errors and superstitions of that church from which they had separated, as well as with other corruptions; the Lord in a time of love looked upon them, and said to them, "Live:" he rescued them from their oppressors, increased them abundantly, reduced them to regular order, afforded them abundant means of grace, took them under his protection, espoused them to himself, and they became his.
And he continued to purify, instruct, prosper, and adorn them, with eminent and excellent ministers and writers; until they became very "renowned among the nations, through the comeliness which the LORD had put upon them." But, though they have not run into the gross outward idolatries and enormities of the church of Rome; yet they have become proud of their beauty and "played the harlot." In many places forms, creeds, and establishments are nearly the whole of what is left of their former excellency; and this dead carcass they idolize: in others, infidelity and skepticism have discarded even the forms of truth and godliness.
In covetousness, pride, luxury, and every worldly lust, they have been grievously guilty of idolatry: in impiety, perfidy, perjury, and licentiousness, many of them have vied with Rome herself: and, though more free from the blood of persecution; yet the blood shed by unjust wars and cruel oppressions in different parts of the globe, from a sordid love of gain, renders the daughter too much like her base and abominable mother.
It is not necessary to expatiate further on the painful topic; the inference is obvious and unavoidable: no outward forms can change the propensity of man's heart to depa depart from God, and rebel against him; but they often give it occasion to rage more vehemently. vehemently. Whatever nation professing Christianity, whatever sect of Christians, we accurately survey; we shall soon perceive traces of the same spirit, which led Israel into all their abominations.
Again, if we consider the subject with reference to ourselves, we shall here too find it applicable. When we recollect the mercies of God our Creator in giving us our being and rational powers; in protecting us in helpless infancy and bringing us to maturity; in sup plying all our wants, and vouchsafing us innumerable benefits; we cannot but remember at the same time, that we have been forgetful of him, and ungrateful and rebellious in numberless instances. How have we abused his bounty, in making provision for our pride and lusts! How have many of us proceeded from one iniquity to another, as we had time and opportunity! How have we stood it out against warnings, corrections, and convictions; and gone on in sin, though evidently exposed by it to manifold losses, troubles, and sorrows! And