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I. THE GOLDEN AGE OF A COUNTRY MAY BE A DARK AGE IN THE ESTIMATE OF THE SAINT. The true glory of a country is moral, and where the moral element is wanting all other glories are dim. Philosophers, poets, commanders, artists, orators, statesmen, millionaires, do not make a "Golden Age," but the presence of many virtuous and godly men.

II. THE FAULTS WITH WHICH A SPLENDID CIVILISATION MAY BE CHARGEABLE.

1. Lack of faithfulness.

2. Untruthfulness.

3. Pride. "Talking big."

4. Boasting.

5. Goodness is treated with contempt.

III. THE DUTY OF THE CHRISTIAN PATRIOT.

1. To cry mightily to God against the prevailing wickedness.

2. To protest by word and act against this iniquity.

3. To rest, in days of triumphant wickedness, in the word and power of God.

4. To claim God's promise, and keep himself unspotted from the world.

(W. L. Watkinson.)

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KJV: {To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David.} Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.

WEB: Help, Yahweh; for the godly man ceases. For the faithful fail from among the children of men.