God hath no other intention in the removing the gospel, and unchurching a nation, but the utter ruin and destruction of that nation. Other judgments may be medicinal ; this is killing. Other judgments may lance and let out the corrupt matter ; this opens a passage for life, soul, and happiness.
Other judgments are but scourges ; this is a deadly wound. In other judgments, God may continue a Father ; in this, he is no other than an enemy and a destroyer.
Other judgments are upon our backs ; but this is in our bowels. Other judgments may be for conversion ; this takes away the means of conversion. The torments of hell are not inflicted for the conversion of the damned, nor the setting of the gospel sun for the conversion of a nation.
(Thomas Sullivan)