i. 21-23. _How is the faithful city become an harlot![1] It
was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now
murderers.[2] Thy silver is become dross, thy wine mixed
with water: thy princes are rebellious, and companions of
thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after
rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the
cause of the widow come unto them._
+I. Moral declensions may take place in the best of men.+ "The
faithful city--silver--wine--princes," the very best things depraved.
+II. There are no limits to the moral declensions that may take place
in the best of men.+ "The faithful city is become an _harlot_," &c.
We have here an argument--1. For universal _humility_ (1 Cor. x. 12;
Gal. vi. 1). 2. For universal _watchfulness_ (Mark xiv. 38). 3. For
universal _prayer_ (Ps. xix. 12, 13; cxxxix. 23, 24).