i. 21. _Righteousness lodged in it._
+I. A High Commendation.+ Righteousness lodged in the city--not
merely visited it as a passing guest, but dwelt in it as a permanent
abode [Alexander and Kay--"had its _home_ there"]. No greater praise
could be spoken of any city, nor can be uttered of any man. +1.+ _Let
us do what we can to make our city worthy of this high commendation._
Much can be done in this direction by the combined, resolute, and
persevering efforts of godly men. +2.+ _Let us try to deserve it
individually._ This may involve many sacrifices, but they will be
more than compensated. Righteousness is a royal guest, ennobling and
enriching those with whom she dwells, and peace, prosperity, and joy
invariably follow in her train. +II. A mournful condemnation.+
Righteousness _lodged_ in the city; lodged, not lodges! That noble
and Divine inhabitant is departed. The palace in which she dwelt is
in ruins. 1. Of how many _cities_ may this mournful declaration be
made! The cities in which Christianity achieved some if its first and
noblest triumphs are now Mohammedan and semi-heathen. They did not
hold fast the truth, and now they are given over to error. We boast
that this is a Christian land, but its relapse into practical
heathenism is not impossible. In every action there is a constant
gravitation towards evil, which can only be resisted and overcome by
constant effort and earnest prayer. Let the churches of this land lay
this solemn fact to heart. 2. Of how many _men_ may this declaration
be made! How many even of the openly vicious and criminal were once
respectable members of society--yes, even honoured members of
churches! They were men "subject to like passions as we are;" and in
what they are we have solemn warnings as to what we may become. Let
those who are most exalted, not in privileges only, but in moral
excellence, also watch and pray, lest sin enter even their hearts,
and expel that Divine guest whose presence secures so many blessings
and warrants so many hopes.