Amos 7

Amos 7:1-9

These things were represented to Amos in a vision. The vermus not only consumed the fruits of the ground, but were an emblem of the Assyrian ravagers. The terrible lightning or drought dried up their rivers, and destroyed part of the people, or figured out the devastations begun by Tiglath-pileser in Gilead and Galilee. The straight wall signified the Hebrew nation, formed and regulated by the most just laws; and the plumb line denoted that their conduct was discovered as not answerable to their laws, and therefore God would no longer forbear to punish them

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. VII.—God executes diversified judgments upon obstinate sinners: and commonly directs his strokes in a gradual manner. Yet often the earnest supplications of God’s ministers divert his vengeance for a time. And even the low and distressed case of nations and churches are a plea with his mercy. But at last utter, though just, destruction shall overtake the incorrigible revolters from his law; and neither temples nor palaces can protect from ruin, but concur to render them more miserable. Furious persecution is the common reward of ministers’ faithful warnings and fervent prayers from their wicked neighbours. And none are more ready to wrest their words and accuse and persecute them as traitors, than profane clergymen, as their fidelity and diligence are a standing reproach to themselves. They, who are prompted to all their religion by carnal hopes of provision or preferment, are apt to imagine every body as mean and selfish as themselves. But it is a great comfort, especially in evil times, for ministers to have had a clear call to their work. And if men, even the greatest, oppose them, God will attest their mission and messages in the fearful ruin of their enemies. And it is at our infinite hazard to attempt silencing even the weakest whom God hath commanded to speak