The frozen snake in the fable stingeth him that refreshed it. Thus is it with all unthankful men: God leadeth them daily with benefits and blessings, and they load Him with sins and trespasses.--_Stapleton,_ 1535-1598. [4] It is an excellent representation of St. Austin: if a sculptor, after his fashioning a piece of marble in a human figure, could inspire it with life and sense, and give it motion and understanding and speech, can it be imagined not the first act of it would be to prostrate itself at the feet of the maker in subjection and thankfulness, and to offer whatever it is, and can do, as homage to him? The almighty hand of God formed our bodies. He breathed into us the spirit of life, and should not the power of love constrain us to live wholly to His will?--_Bates,_ 1625-1629. [5] We find the fiercest things that live, The savage born, the wildly rue, When soothed by Mercy's hand will give Some faint response of gratitude. But man!--oh! blush, ye lordly race!-- Shrink back, and question thy proud heart! Dost thou not lack that thankful grace Which ever forms the soul's best part? Wilt thou not take the blessings given, The priceless boon of ruddy health, The sleep unbroken, peace unriven, The cup of joy, the mine of wealth? Wilt thou not take them all, and yet Walk from the cradle to the grave Enjoying, boasting, and forget To think upon the God that gave? Thou'lt even kneel to blood-stained kings, Nor fear to have thy serfdom known; Thy knee will bend for bauble things, Yet fail to seek its Maker's throne.--_Eliza Cook_ GOD'S INDICTMENT AGAINST ISRAEL. i. 2-6. _Hear, O heavens, &c._ God sometimes speaks to man abruptly; when this is done, the truth expressed demands the most profound attention. In our text the heavens and the earth are suddenly called to attend to what is about to be said; God is charging the human race with fearful wrongs; the matter at issue is between the creature and Creator, child and Parent. Our attention is called to--