Psalms 18:7

Then the earth shook and trembled.

Earthquakes, their moral suggestions

It is not for us to speculate concerning the physical causes of earthquakes. With the Bible in our hands we are privileged to regard the mightiest and the most destructive forces of nature as the ministers of His will “who is wise in counsel, benevolent in purpose, and almighty in power.”

I. The perilous condition of our earthly existence. Deep is the sense of insecurity which the earthquake strikes to our inward souls. But this is only one out of many perils that every moment threaten our destruction. This insecurity shows--

1. The absurdity of setting our affections on material good. Set your affection on things above.

2. The folly of postponing the preparation for eternity. How absurd to presume one minute upon the future, when every minute is uncertain.

II. The probability of a coming crisis in the history of our planet. Geology teaches that the subterraneous forces of the earth have effected wonderful crises in its history. It is only natural to suppose that the forces which swept away races that preceded them will one day sweep man from its sphere, and make the earth the habitation of other races of existences yet to be created. Science gives a testimony concerning a coming crisis that is positive and satisfactory. The Bible assures us that a crisis awaits the world (2 Peter 3:1).

III. The element of severity in the Divine government. Storms, pestilences, famines, and earthquakes attest severity in the government of God.

1. The sinner deserves the severity.

2. The sinner requires the severity.

IV. The wisdom of seeking the Divine protection.

1. That protection can be obtained through a practical reliance on the mediation of Christ for acceptance.

2. The protection has been obtained. The ancient believers enjoyed it.

3. The protection secures from all danger. Then is God your protector? (Homilist.)