13. Consume them in wrath. As if he had changed his
mind and would have them brought to a speedy end, or if spared would have them
exist as ruins, he cries, consume them, and he redoubles his cry, consume them; indeed, he gives a triple note: that they may not be. Revilers
of God whose mouths pour forth such filth as David was on this occasion obliged
to hear are not to be tolerated by a holy soul. If they could be reformed it
would be infinitely better; but if they cannot, then let them cease to be. Who
can desire to see such a generation perpetuated? And let them know, that
is, let all the nations know, that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. He whose government is universal fixes his headquarters among his
chosen people, and there especially he punishes sin. So David would have
everyone see. Let even the most remote nations know that the great moral
Governor has power to destroy ungodliness, and does not wink at iniquity in
any. When sin is manifestly punished it is a valuable lesson to all mankind.
The overthrow of a Napoleon is a homily for all monarchs, the death of a Tom
Paine a warning to all infidels, the siege of Paris a sermon to all cities. Selah.
Good cause there is for this rest, when a theme so wide and important is
introduced. Solemn subjects ought not to be hurried over; nor should the
condition of the heart while contemplating themes so high be a matter of
indifference. Sit still awhile and consider the ways of God with mankind.
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