From this last circumstance we notice,
I. That sin is a common bond of union among men — Sin certainly has produced in families and nations
the greatest disunion : and generally causes the fiercest animosities among them that are nearest to each other. But it is also true, that sin often forms a bond of union among men.
1. This is true of sin in general —
[The friendships of the world at large originate almost entirely in sin. The gay unite for the indulgence of their pleasures; the licentious, for the gratification of their lusts; the convivial, for the exercise of (what they call) good fellow- ship ; the worldly and ambitious, for the pursuit of wealth or honour; yea, the very infidels for the purpose of confirming and propagating their fatal tenets.]
2. It is true of enmity against Christ, in parti- cular—
[Persons who have no other point of contact whatever, are brought together by means of this. The Scribes and Pharisees were far from being friends either to Pilate or Herod ; and these two were " at enmity between themselves." Yet behold, how they all agree in persecuting Christ ! It had been foretold that they would do soa; and the history before us is declared to be an accomplishment of that prophecy1'. But how can we account for this? How can we account for that union, which has subsisted in all ages between persons of all ranks, habits, and dispositions, in opposing Christ ? It can only be accounted for from hence ; that every man has in his own bosom a rooted principle of enmity against Christ; and that he will break down all common rules of propriety in order to give it vent : yea, rather than not have confederates in his opposition to Christ, he will associate himself with the vilest of mankind, and avail himself of any help for the suppression or extinction of vital godliness.]
But, however desirable the esteem of our fellow- creatures may be, we must say,
II. That friendships cemented by sin are no objects
of envy or congratulation — Doubtless a reconciliation between any parties that are at variance, is desirable. But it may be purchased at too dear a rate :
a Ps. ii. 1,2. i> Acts iv. 25—28.