Joshua 7

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. VII.—How terrible a sin is sacrilege, especially when it is presumptuously committed! It brings the most tremendous plagues upon persons and nations. One sinner often destroys much good; and becomes a plague to himself, and to the societies with which he is connected. But terrors of conscience will at last most surely attend indulged wickedness: and the attempts begun in sloth or self-confidence often issue in shame and despair. It is becoming, therefore, for the most courageous and intrepid to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God, and to tremble for fear of his displeasure. The choicest saints are too ready to be overmuch discouraged by the alarming frowns of God’s providence; and in their anguish to utter words unadvised! and yet, when the honour of God, and the safety of his people, lie nearest their heart, a proper sorrow in such a state is highly becoming. With impartial care, and proper expedition, should ruinous scandals and crimes be inquired into, and animadverted upon, for the preservation of churches and nations. If we do not destroy sin it will destroy us. And it is mad to indulge ourselves in secret wickedness, when God can so easily bring it to light in the most public and shameful manner. It is desirable, yea, even hopeful, when criminals are brought to a candid and kindly confession of their sin: and yet it is necessary to have their punishment as public and striking as possible, that others may see, and hear, and fear to do such things: yea, in some cases to keep up the standing memorials of it