5. Add to all these (what is indeed the source as well as completion of all) that open and profess’d DEISM and _rejection_ of the GOSPEL, that _public, avowed_ apostacy from the Christian faith, which reigns among the _rich_ and _great_, and hath spread from _them_ to _all_ ranks and orders of men (the _vulgar_ themselves not excepted) and made us a people fitted for the _destroyer of the Gentiles_. 6. Because of these sins is this evil come upon us. For (whether you are aware of it, or no) there is a God: a God, who tho’ he sits upon the circle of the heavens, sees and knows all that is done upon earth. And this God is holy; he does not love sin: he is just, rendering to all their due. And he is strong; there is none able to withstand him: he hath all power in heaven and in earth. He is patient indeed, and suffers long; but he will at last repay the wicked to his face. He often does so in _this_ world; especially when a whole nation is _openly_ and _insolently_ wicked. Then doth God _arise and maintain his own cause_; then doth he terribly shew both his justice and power: that if these will not repent, yet others may fear, and flee from the wrath to come. 7. There hath been among them that feared God, a general expectation for many years, that the time was coming, when God would thus arise, to be avenged on this sinful nation. At length the time is come. The patience of God, long provoked, gives place to justice. The windows of heaven begin to be opened, to rain down judgments on the earth. And yet, with what tenderness does he proceed? In the midst of wrath remembring mercy. By how slow degrees does his vengeance move! Nor does his whole displeasure yet arise. 8. Brethren, countrymen, Englishmen, What shall we do? To-day! While it is called to-day! Before the season of mercy is quite expired, and our _destruction cometh as a whirlwind_? Which way can we remove the evils we feel? Which way prevent those we fear? Is there any better way, than the making God our friend? The securing his help against our enemies? Other helps are little worth. We see _armies_ may be destroyed, or even flee away from old men and children. _Fleets_ may be dashed to pieces in an hour, and sunk in the depth of the sea. _Allies_ may be treacherous, or slow, or foolish, or weak, or cowardly. But God is a friend who cannot betray, and whom none can either bribe or terrify. And who is wise, or swift, or strong like him? Therefore, whatever we do, let us make God our friend. Let us with all speed remove the cause of his anger. Let us cast away our sins. Then shall his love have free course, and he will send us help, sufficient help, against all our enemies.