THE SINNERS IN ZION ARE AFRAID.

 
DECEMBER 14
 

The sinners in Zion are afraid.
Isaiah 33:14

 
AND well they may be; for sinners in Zion,
  are sinners in the very worst place, and
   the most dangerous position.
 
Their sins are of a peculiarly aggravated character,
  being committed in the clearest light,
  amidst the displays of the most wonderful love.
 
They ought to be saints, or they ought not to be in Zion,
  or the Church of God.
 
Sinners in Zion,
  if allowed to partake of the gospel privileges,
  generally become hardened;
  their consciences become benumbed,
  their nourished presumptuous confidence, and
  the gospel passes through their mind
   without making any salutary impressions.
 
Nothing but some signal judgment, or
  some special display of the power
  of the Spirit will arouse them.
 
It is to be feared that when the day of the Lord arrives,
  there will be many such found in the church, and
  that his glorious appearing shall arouse them, and
    fill them with dreadful alarm.
 
Friend, where are you?
Are you in Zion?
What are you?
Are you a sinner in Zion?
 
If so, ask conscience,
  “Can you dwell with devouring fire?
  Can you dwell with everlasting burnings?”
 
 The wrath of God is most dreadful !
 
And wrath shall come upon sinners in Zion unto the uttermost.
 

This Sodom felt, and feels it still,

And groans beneath the dreadful load;

With endless burnings who can dwell ?

Or bear the fury of a God ?

 
James Smith 1849