nonsense, vanity, and dissipation—is deemed, with many, an essential in good-breeding. And, with many, to keep _good_ company, is not to associate with those who fear God, but with those, who are distinguished by no other excellence but the possession of a title or a fortune. These accidental acquisitions are often complimented with the appellation of _good_; though all beside should be nothing but a compound of wretchedness and vice. Thus no distinction is made between men and their accidents; and adulation frequently offered at the shrine of debauchery and pride. And thus men confound the names of good and evil; put darkness for light, and light for darkness. And can it be said that God’s desolations have taught us the evil of sin? No. While vice maintains its wonted vigor, pleasure attracts its votaries as usual, and profaneness rears its triumphant crest without control or shame, it can never be said, that we are advancing in reformation. Rather, as our visitations have increased, the stupefaction of sinners has increased with them. The storms, which should rouse, have eventually rocked them to rest. Even the _deaf adder_ is quick of hearing, when compared with numbers, who neglect or refuse to hear that “Charmer,” whose voice, in his _promises_, is sweeter and more harmonious than all the choristers of heaven; and, in his _threatenings_, more tremendous than the roaring of the seas, and all the artillery of conflicting elements. Which leads me to observe, that, 2. GOD’S desolations in the earth should impress us with a reverential awe of his majesty and a dread of his wrath; should make us see his hand and acknowledge his interposition in every event.