The history of ungodliness.
I. GERM. The question is—Self or God, our own will or God's will. Must be settled. Pressed by prophet after prophet. The answer shows the state of the heart. "Refused to hear."
II. PROGRESS. There is growth in evil, as in good Stages. "First the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear."
1. Wilful refusal. "Pulled away the shoulder." Sinners will not submit to be guided by the higher will. Angry and fretted, they will not bow to God's yoke.
2. Insolent rejection. "Stopped their ears." Warnings and counsels are in vain. Pride rises to insolence. Refusal, to determined opposition and rebellion.
3. Settled obduracy. (Zechariah 7:12.) This implies a steady process. The bad is more and more gaining the mastery. Every fresh victory brings the time nearer when the evil becomes "unconquerable" (Greek adhamas).
III. CONSUMMATION. (Zechariah 7:13.) The end is come.
1. Ruined character.
2. Blasted life.
3. Hopeless future.
Oh! where is that mysterious bourne,
By which our path is crossed,
Beyond which God himself hath sworn
That he who goes is lost?
"How far may we go on in sin?
How long will God forbear?
Where does hope end, and where begin
The confines of despair?
"An answer from the skies is sent,
'Ye that from God depart,
While it is called today, repent,
And harden not your heart.'"
(Alexander.)
F.