to visit it with war, pestilence, and famine ? Is it not sin ? Every sinner therefore, in proportion as he increases the na- tion's guilt, contributes also to its punishment. In many instances we know, that the whole kingdom of Israel suffered for the offence of one ; not for that of David only, who was the monarch*^' ; but for that also of Achan, an obscure individuals^ : nor till the last day will it appear what injury this nation has sustained by means of every one here present.]
II. In families —
[What confusion is brought into any house by an impe- rious husband, a contentious ivife, or an nndutiful, stubborn child ! Instead of love and harmony, there is little else than brawling and quarrelling ; so that the very sight of each other, which ought to call forth all the tender emotions of their hearts excites nothing but enmity and disgust.
A man addicted to lewdness, gaming, intemperance, evil company, or idleness, to what wretchedness may he soon reduce his family ! " God has put a price into the hand of such an one to make his dependents happy, but he knows not how to use it'." He might support them in ease and comfort, but brings them to want and desperation. How many instances of this are found in every town and village !
Nor can we easily estimate the good which a whisperer and a tale-bearer may destroy. Behold, he comes into a house where friends or relatives are cemented in the strictest bonds of union and amity : but he creates suspicion, and alienates their minds, and kindles feuds, and fills with animosity the bosoms that once glowed with mutual affection*^.
But what shall we say of the vile seducer, who under the mask of friendship enters the house of his unsuspecting neigh- bour, and avails himself of the opportunity to decoy his daughter, or to defile his wife ? Alas ! what incalculable misery does such a man create ! For the sake of a momentary gratifica- tion, how many hearts does he pierce with the deepest and most lasting sorrow ! What disgrace does he bring upon the whole family, involving the innocent with the guilty in irremediable shame, and bowing them down with grief that hurries them to the grave ! Would to God that, if such a character exist in this assembly, he might be smitten with remorse, and wounded to his inmost soul !]
III. In the church of God —
[On whom shall we fix our eyes, as hostile to the Church's welfare, so soon as on the careless minister? To him God has committed the improvement of sabbaths, and ordinances, and
g 2 Sam. xxiv. 10, 15. '' Josh. xxii. 20.
' Prov. xvii. IG. '^ Prov. xvi. 28.