Zephaniah 1

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. I.—The wrath of God makes fearful havock in a nation or kingdom; and burns hottest against apostate professors and hypocrites. These refusers of Christ’s atoning sacrifice, must themselves fall a sacrifice to the provoked vengeance of God: nor can any rank or station save from his stroke. Yea every sin, secret or open, is taken into his account, as a ground of their punishment. Gaudy apparel and ill-gotten gains speedily help on their destruction. Alas, how terrible is it to fall into the hands of an angry God! How awakening to infidels themselves, who had racked their wits to silence their consciences, that they might enjoy their guilty pleasures undisturbed! But, if periods of judgments be so dreadful, what must be the great day of the Lord! How will it strike sinners dumb with horror, and consume them as with fire! And all earthly enjoyments will be then altogether ineffectual for their relief