From the diary of the Rev. Jacob Jones Janeway [1794-1858] on this calendar date of August 17th, a timely message on mourning over the sins of the nation:

August 17. “This has been observed, by the recommendation of the General Assembly of our church, and by the recommendation of the Government, as a day of humiliation and prayer, on account of the state of the nation. It is a dark day—a season of great danger. But God Almighty reigneth, and can
deliver our beloved country from all difficulties and dangers. But we are a guilty, ungrateful and wicked people ! Sins awfully abound. What a long
catalogue might I here draw. I have endeavoured to mourn over the sins of my country, and to confess my own, and ask forgiveness. I have pleaded for my country.”

For more on this important subject, something which I believe is a duty for all believers, we have selected just a few Scripture texts for your study, along with an online resource in PDF. Two other resources are mentioned, for those who may have access to a good library.

Mourning Over the Sins of Our Times

Selected Scripture Texts:     Joshua 6:18, 7:1, 6 [note the sin of Achan and how the anger of the Lord burned against the sons of Israel]; 2 Kg. 9:5-15; 22:13, 19-20; Ps. 119:53, 136; Prov. 24:17; Isa. 57:15; Jer. 13:17; Ezk. 6:11; 9:4, 21:6; Dan. 9; 1 Cor. 5:2; 2 Cor. 12:21; 2 Pet. 2:8;

Jenkin, William, “How Ought We to Bewail the Sins of the Places Where We Live?,” in The Morning Exercises at Cripplegate [aka Puritan Sermons], vol. 3, pp. 110-128.  Available here:  http://www.pcahistory.org/HCLibrary/sermons/Jenkin-Bewail.pdf ]

Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn, “Blessed Are They That Mourn,” in Studies in the Sermon on the Mount, vol. 1, pp. 53-62.

Manton, Thomas, on 2 Peter 2:8, Works, Vol. 8, pp. 183-184 and 423-426; and, on Psalm 119:136, Works, vol. 8, pp. 420-431 or in the Banner of Truth edition (1990), vol. 3, pp. 139-154.