Talking by the walls and in the doors of the houses is not a custom peculiar to the Copts, mentioned by Bp. Pococke, it is a practice among idle people, and among those who are resting from their work, in every country, when the weather permits. Gossiping in the inside of the house is not less frequent, and much more blamable.

Ezek. 33:1-9 The prophet is a watchman to the house of Israel. Hi business is to warn sinners of their misery and danger. He must war the wicked to turn from their way, that they may live. If souls peris through his neglect of duty, he brings guilt upon himself. See what those have to answer for, who make excuses for sin, flatter sinners and encourage them to believe they shall have peace, though they go on How much wiser are men in their temporal than in their spiritual concerns! They set watchmen to guard their houses, and sentinels to warn of the enemies' approach, but where the everlasting happiness of misery of the soul is at stake, they are offended if ministers obe their Master's command, and give a faithful warning; they would rathe perish, listening to smooth things.

Ezek. 33:10-20 Those who despaired of finding mercy with God, ar answered with a solemn declaration of God's readiness to show mercy The ruin of the city and state was determined, but that did not relat to the final state of persons. God says to the righteous, that he shal surely live. But many who have made profession, have been ruined by proud confidence in themselves. Man trusts to his own righteousness and presuming on his own sufficiency, he is brought to commit iniquity If those who have lived a wicked life repent and forsake their wicke ways, they shall be saved. Many such amazing and blessed changes have been wrought by the power of Divine grace. When there is a settle separation between a man and sin, there shall no longer be a separatio between him and God.

Ezek. 33:21-29 Those are unteachable indeed, who do not learn their dependence upon God, when all creature-comforts fail. Many claim a interest in the peculiar blessings to true believers, while their conduct proves them enemies of God. They call this groundles presumption strong faith, when God's testimony declares them entitle to his threatenings, and nothing else.

Ezek. 33:30-33 Unworthy and corrupt motives often lead men to the places where the word of God is faithfully preached. Many come to fin somewhat to oppose: far more come of curiosity or mere habit. Men ma have their hearts changed. But whether men hear or forbear, they wil know by the event that a servant of God has been among them. All wh will not know the worth of mercies by the improvement of them, wil justly be made to know their worth by the want of them __________________________________________________________________

Original Hebrew