Morning Star

A Country Minister.--A few years ago, a minister having to preach from that solemn passage, Isaiah xxxiii. 14, "The sinners in Zion are afraid--Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire- with everlasting burnings?" began his discourse as follows :

The application of a sermon is usually at the close of it; but were we for once to apply the subject at the beginning, it would probably increase our seriousness, and render all the rest of the sermon more useful. Let us then put the latter part of the words to ourselves; and ask, "Who among us shall dwell with devouring fire?" Shall any of us? Is it not probable that some of us shall? And if so, which of us? Where do the persons sit? In the galleries, or below? Methinks each of you is saying, "Is it I? Is it I?" Ah! could we point out the individual, and say, "Thou art the man! Thou art the woman!" how would every eye be fixed on that unhappy person; and how would the individual feel! Now, though it is not for us to speak in this manner to any one person, yet we may clearly point out, from the Scriptures of truth, who it is, that, without "repentance towards" God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, "must, indeed, dwell with everlasting burnings; and may the Holy Spirit so assist us in the important inquiry, that many may be stirred up to flee from the wrath to come!"