to our friends. Abraham was a friend of God, and God said, "Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?" Gen. xviii, 17. Can I keep him ignorant of my designs? "The froward is abomination to the Lord; but his secret is with the righteous." Prov. iii, 32. Pious men have early notice of approaching judgments, but when they publish the thing, they are viewed as fools and madmen.

Abraham interceded for Sodom. Good men are inspired with Godlike principles, and are not willing that any should perish. The intercession of Abraham was humble, modest, and successful. The Lord engaged, that if ten righteous persons should be found, he would spare the whole for the sake of them; but, alas! that number was not found! Angels were sent to warn Lot, to aid his escape, and to destroy the place. When they came to Sodom, Lot knew not who they were; but, as strangers, they were invited to take shelter under his hospitable roof. At first they positively refused his generous offer, saying, "We will abide in the street all night." Verse 2. This, no doubt, was their intention; but being pressed greatly, they at last consented. They cannot, therefore, be charged with a lie, having had no intention to deceive their hospitable friend. Christianity recommends hospitality. "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some," as Abraham and Lot, "have entertained angels unawares." Heb. xiii, 2. These angels informed Lot what God was about to do, and prepared him for the escape. They also directed him to warn his sons-in-law; but he seemed unto them as one that mocked. The inhabitants of Sodom were not aware, that the angels of God, with a full commission to destroy the place, were even then in their city! They slept without fear upon the brink of destruction; but it was not a night for Lot to sleep. Very early in the morning he was hurried away by the angels; for the command to destroy the place was urgent, and they could do nothing till he was out of danger. Then, Lot having left the place, the awful work began; which leads us to consider

II. THE DESTRUCTION ITSELF.

My hand trembles while I write. O, dreadful day! and yet but a faint emblem of that day in which God will destroy the world by fire! On the destruction we may observe the following things: It was sudden, awful, universal, and without remedy.

The destruction of Sodom was sudden. Many, probably, were sleeping in their beds, quite secure: A few, perhaps, were rising up, and about to enter upon the affairs of the day. In an instant a black cloud gathered, and the storm of vengeance rushed upon them like a mighty whirlwind. They had no time to flee: No time to implore mercy: Not a moment allowed to prepare for eternity! Thus, they who neglect to improve time and opportunity, may look for sudden judgments in the end.

The destruction of Sodom was awful. Fire and brimstone were the instruments of the Divine wrath. It is probable that it was a storm of hunder and lightning, of fire and hail; the earth, at the same time, cracking and opening beneath their feet. Their lusts had burned like fire, and fire was employed to burn both them and their lusts. Hell is

a place of fire and brimstone; and Sodom being like hell in wickedness, was burned with fire and brimstone. How justly may we exclaim "O God! thou art terrible out of thy holy places!" Ps. Ixviii, 35.

The destruction of Sodom was universal. Not one soul escaped. Parents and children were all destroyed. The cities of the plain, the cattle, and that which grew upon the ground, all perished. Even Lot's wife, who lingered, and looked back, fell a victim to the flames. How awful to think of this complete destruction! How soon can God rid himself of his enemies! They were all living in the morning, and all dead and gone before noon. Thus all the enemies of God will perish. No distinction was made in Sodom between the rich and the poor, the young and the old, the wise and the ignorant; nor will God make any distinction, on account of outward circumstances, in that day when the world will be judged by Jesus Christ.

The destruction of Sodom was without remedy. They suffered the vengeance of eternal fire. When God appears in judgment, who can provide a remedy against his plans and purposes? The overthrow was everlasting. There never could be another Sodom in that place. The vile wretches could never come back, either to repent of their crimes, or to reform and turn to God. God has provided a remedy for fallen man in Jesus Christ; but those who neglect that remedy must perish for

ever.

III. THE CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH FOLLOWED THE DESTRUCTION.

We may suppose that the neighbouring countries would be struck with terror. The report would spread far and wide, and make sinners afraid. It is by the terrible judgments of God, that men are taught the evil of sin, and the abhorrence in which it is held by a holy God. We hear of no other cities being abandoned to similar lusts. The nations would fear the God of Abraham. God always intends to warn others, by his judgments upon any particular people; and that judgment is a warning, even to the present day.

Abraham went to look for an answer to his prayer, and saw the destroying flames at a distance. Prayer should never be offered up without a strong desire for an answer. Let us pray for lawful things in faith, expecting to receive. Abraham rose up early in the morning, to see whether his prayers were answered; but seeing the smoke of Sodom, he knew that there were not ten righteous persons there. What would his feelings be for Sodom, and for Lot! He saw the judgments at a distance, but they did not come nigh him. The friends of God are always safe.

Zoar was spared. One good man saved a city! Lot was first directed to the mountain; but, through earnest prayer, he was permitted to remain in Zoar. Had he gone to the mountain, every soul in Zoar would have perished! What dreadful terror must those people have felt, when he informed them why they were spared. We may suppose that they would repent of their sins, and humble themselves before God; and that they would venerate Lot, through whom they were spared.

Lot's daughters, after all, caused their father to sin. Lot, indeed, must have been off his guard; but it is a sad thing for children to tempt

their parents. They had a plea for sin, and so has every sinner. Ah, how soon we forget judgments! Nothing but the love of God will lead to steady obedience. Fear is powerful while it lasts; but, like a sudden blaze, it soon goes out. What became of Lot after this event, is uncertain. Charity, which hopeth all things, would lead us to think, that he repented of his sin, returned to his obedience, and died in peace. Thus may we die, and may all our frailties and sins be buried in eternal oblivion, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

SERMON XVIII.

ABRAHAM ABOUT TO SLAY HIS SON.

And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. GENESIS xxii, 10.

THE heathen nations were foul idolaters. Upon particular occasions they offered up human victims. Children were made to pass through the fire to Moloch. "The Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak; and the Sepharvites burned their children in fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the Gods of Sepharvaim." 2 Kings xvii, 31. How this abominable practice first took rise, is not easy to determine. Some have thought, that confused traditions of Abraham offering up Isaac, gave rise to the practice. That God required Abraham to offer up his son, is certain; but it was to try him, and not to sanction the abominable practice of immolating children.

In this discourse we shall consider three things: Why God com manded Abraham to offer up his son; how Abraham complied with the command; and, what lessons we may learn from this transaction.

I. WHY DID GOD COMMAND ABRAHAM TO OFFER UP HIS SON? The command was given to try Abraham. For "it came to pass after these things," mentioned in the preceding chapters, "that God did tempt Abraham." Gen. xxii, 1. The word tempt, in this passage, comes from a Hebrew word, which signifies to prove, to make experiment, and to try what a person is, or how he will act. Abraham professed true religion; but the sincerity of his profession must be proved. He was a believer; but his faith must be proved. He loved God; but his love must be proved. He was obedient to God; but his obedience must be proved. It was a severe trial of faith; for many promises had been made, which, humanly speaking, could not be fulfilled in case of Isaac's death. The trial of his love was severe, because Isaac was the son whom he loved. Nor was the trial of his obedience less severe, having to offer up Isaac with his own hands.

This harsh command was given, that Abraham might become a bright

example of obedience, in painful and difficult duties. God, who knew his character perfectly, did not try him for his own satisfaction. The trial was to be recorded, as a standing proof of his eminent piety; and it was made with apparent severity, that it might produce strong and lasting impressions on the minds of men in future ages. Nothing is more powerful than example. Mere precepts, however good, may be deemed impracticable, and on this ground many vain excuses may be formed; but when we see a thing done before our eyes, we are struck dumb, and have not one excuse to plead. In this case, we have a proof as certain, of Abraham's obedience, as if we had seen it with our eyes, because it is recorded in the faithful word of God.

II. HOW DID ABRAHAM COMPLY WITH THE COMMAND?

However painful the command might be, Abraham made no objection. He might have pleaded that it was contrary to the law of nature to offer up his son, and that the promises of God could not be fulfilled; but he was silent. All that he deemed necessary was, a certain knowledge of God's will; for then his way was plain, and he knew it right to yield obedience to the high command. No doubt, he was fully satisfied that the command was from the Lord. He would not have hearkened to any other voice than that of God. The Lord spake to him in a way which he had been accustomed to; and he was not like young Samuel, who had not learned to know the voice of the Lord.

As soon as the command was given, Abraham set about the work immediately. It seems to have been in the night that the command was given, and he arose up early in the morning to put it into execution. We could not have blamed him had he lingered, like Lot in Sodom; but the father of the faithful was not a loiterer in the service of God. He left the business of his flocks and herds, and went directly upon the business of the Lord.

Resolved to obey God, Abraham carefully guarded against hinderances. He neither told Sarah, nor Isaac, nor his servants, what he was about to do. Perhaps they would have opposed his pious resolution to put into execution the Divine command. The maternal feelings of Sarah, especially, might have induced her to interpose; but it does not appear that she was acquainted with her lord's intention. For want of prudence, we often make our way rough and unpleasant, and our duties become far more difficult than they otherwise might be. A multitude of counsellors may be safe in doubtful cases; but when our way is plain, by a revelation from the Lord, we need no other counsel.

Abraham made no ostentatious show of his obedience. He might have called his friends and neighbours to witness his heroic piety; but he knew that the Lord would be his witness, and that was enough for him. He had no desire to have human applause. Hypocrites desire nothing so much as the praise of men; but those who are sincere of heart, desire above all things the approbation of the Lord. Jehu said, "Come, see my zeal for the Lord." 2 Kings x, 16. Let us carefully guard against a desire to be seen of men. Not that our conduct can be hid, for if we honour God, he will honour us before the people; but our intentions should ever be free from this base motive. It is worthy

of remark, that Abraham did not suffer even his young men to witness his conduct upon this occasion; for when they drew near the place where Isaac was to be offered up, he said to them, "Abide ye here with the ass, and I and the lad will go yonder and worship." Verse 5.

Men of weak minds are apt to waver in the discharge of painful duties; but Abraham was persevering. How many have begun well, who at length have tired and become faint in their minds! but Abraham was steadfast to the end. He had time to reflect and waver, for he had a long journey to perform before he could offer up his son; but he did not waver a moment from first to last. The journey was performed, the altar erected, the wood prepared, Isaac was bound and laid upon the altar, and the hand was stretched forth to slay him: Then God interposed, and said, "Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him." Verse 12. O what faith; what love to God; what obedience to the will of heaven! We talk a great deal about duties: We complain bitterly of hardships; but Abraham's obedience was silent and cheerful.

III. WHAT LESSONS MAY WE LEARN FROM THIS TRANSACTION?

We learn from this transaction, that the will of God should be a law to man. We should be more anxious to know whether what we do be the will of God, than to pry into the reasons of it; for that being clearly determined, the other may be left. Whatever God wills, is not only good, but absolutely necessary; and when the will of God is known, man should instantly comply. We are apt to set up our pretended wisdom against God, as if we knew better what should be done, than he can tell us; but Abraham manifested real wisdom, by making the will of God his sovereign law. Let us imitate his bright example, saying, in all circumstances, and upon all occasions, "Thy will be done." Matt. vi, 10.

This transaction proves, that what the Lord requires is not impossible. When God commands, he always gives strength to obey. He helps feeble man by the secret influences of his Holy Spirit, so that nothing is wanted in difficult duties, but a willing mind. Power belongeth unto God, and he imparts that degree of power which is needful. Never was a case more difficult than this; but it was easy to Abraham, because he had the help of God. Let the followers of Jesus take encouragement, God will afford them help in time of need.

The command to Abraham is a proof, that the greatest favourites of heaven may be severely tried. Out of much tribulation the best of men must enter the kingdom of God. This world is not our rest. Let us recollect how Job, David, Daniel, and other holy men, were tried. And is it not fit that we should be tried? Should not every grace and every virtue be proved? Besides, heaven will be more welcome after these afflictions. There we shall look back with gratitude, and bless God for the severest affliction which we have experienced in this state of trial.

We learn from this account, that severe trials frequently arise from peculiar comforts. No doubt Abraham had more comfort in Isaac, than in all other persons or things; but Isaac must be given up. The