Well, you say, I am not a murderer. But are you envious? Do you grieve
because someone more worthy than you is enjoying something you would
like? Do you not see that is like what the devil felt when he saw Adam
in Paradise? You can, by envy, soon become a destroyer. You say you are
not an Adulterer, but are you lascivious? Do you like to think of
unclean things? Do you delight in filthy pictures or "bawdy" songs? If
so, you are fitting yourself for the fire where the Sodomites are. You
say you are not as bad as some; perhaps you have not been growing as long
as they have. Hatred and Variance are the trees on which the devil
grafts Murders. Do you notice the last words in that sentence of Paul's--
"AND SUCH LIKE."
If not a Drunkard or a Reveller, yet going in that direction; having a
liking for evil companions and Sunday pleasuring. Am I looking on some
of the saplings which Satan means to graft before next year? Christmas
and New Year will soon be here. The dance and the ball-room are the
places where