Amos 2:4-5 Thus said the LORD; For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof… I. INTEMPERANCE. This weighs like a millstone round the neck of the Church in this country. We are not, as a rule, sensible of the awful magnitude of this evil — of the gigantic proportions to which it has attained. II. INFIDELITY. That this evil exists and is active amongst us, requires no proof. It exists in our midst in every shape, form, and degree, from the avowed Atheism, which openly blasphemes the name of God, to the refined Rationalism, which, while professing belief in Divine revelation, explains away, and empties of all their real significance, its most vital and momentous truths. III. SUPERSTITION. While many nations of Europe — such as Austria and Italy — are casting off the yoke of superstition, this country, which was wont to be regarded as the very centre of Gospel light, and the home of spiritual freedom, would seem as if about to relinquish the position she took up after a struggle which cost tears, agonies, and the blood of some of her best and noblest sons. IV. INDIFFERENTISM. Beyond question the most prevalent evil of our time. For one who is tainted with Infidelity, or enslaved by Superstition, there are tens of thousands utterly indifferent to their highest interests. They may give a formal and periodical attention to religious duties, but practically they are " living without God in the world." To moot these special evils, special agencies must be used. (R. W. Forrest, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have despised the law of the LORD, and have not kept his commandments, and their lies caused them to err, after the which their fathers have walked: |
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