Ezekiel 8

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. VIII.—God keeps a particular account of every person that he sends us, and will shortly call us to account for them. And, when we are faithful and active in improving the discoveries which God hath bestowed upon us, we may expect more. The more we retire from the world into our own heart, and fix our attention on things above, we may more reasonably hope for still further communications from God. And to see his glory is an excellent mean of discovering to us the infinitely odious nature of idolatry and other wickedness, which turns his truth into a lie and his glory into shame. What multitudes of abominations crowd together! If one be found, we may reckon of thousands which still lie hid. But it will require a diligent search to find them out, either in ourselves or others. And no where may we expect greater or more heinous abominations than in connection with the worship of God. Many make a fair shew in God’s house in public, who, if followed to their secret chambers would be found sunk in filthiness and impiety. And seldom can any be found worse than evil ministers and magistrates. Nothing more encourages men to indulgence, or even impudence, in sin, than a practical disbelief of God’s all-seeing knowledge and all-present Majesty. If once women transgress the natural modesty of their sex, they bid fair to stick at nothing horrid or obscene. And, if men once turn their back upon God’s institutions, they bid fair endlessly to wander after their own inventions. But shortly shall the most secret abominations be discovered, and the most shocking and daring be sufficiently punished