Whilst we are filled (as the Apostle characterizeth the Gentiles, Rom. 1.) with all unrighteousness; it is no marvel if we are filled with all trouble. The Prophet Malachi brings in Edom thus reflecting upon himself (Chap. 1.4.) whereas Edom saith, I am impoverished &c. Edom began to be sensible all was not well with him. Hereupon he advises upon a way to help himself, and concludes thus, We will return and build the desolate places. This was their resolve; but what saith God to it? Even this, Will ye build, ye shall build, I will give you leave to build, but I will throw it down again. I will spoil your work. Why would the Lord be thus severe? The next words give a reason, They shall call thee, the border of wickedness, the people against whom the Lord hath indignation for ever. Wickedness is a large word, and takes in all unrighteousness towards man, as well as impiety towards God. That building cannot stand long, where unrighteousness lies between the timber and the stones. God will pull down by night, what such men build by day. If then we would have buildings stand, and our habitations prosperous, let us labour to build with justice, and make ours, the habitations of righteousness. Look upon it in families, that which withers the comfort of a family, in children, in servants, is the unrighteousness found in a family; if there be unrighteousness there, no wonder, if there be decays and discontents there too. If there be unrighteousness in Cities; If (Psal. 55.11.) deceit and guile go not out of our streets, no marvel if complainings go not out of our streets. We call for peace and prosperity, O that peace would come! but if our hearts were set upon this, if we laboured every one with himself, and every one with his brother, and every one with the public to the uttermost of his line, that we may in our persons, in our families, in our policies, be an habitation of righteousness; how soon should we all be a prosperous habitation, an habitation of peace?
Whilst we are fil'd (as the Apostle characterizeth the Gentiles, Rom. 1.) with all unrighteousnesse; it is no marvell if we are fill'd with all trouble. The Prophet Malachi brings in Edom thus reflecting upon himself (Chap. 1.4.) whereas Edom saith, I am impoverished &c. Edom began to be sensible all was not well with him. Hereupon he advises upon a way to help himself, and concludes thus, We will return and build the desolate places. This was their resolve; but what saith God to it? Even this, Will ye build, ye shall build, I will give you leave to build, but I will throw it down again. I will spoyl your work. Why would the Lord be thus severe? The next words give a reason, They shall call thee, the border of wickednes, the people against whom the Lord hath indignation for ever. Wickednesse is a large word, and takes in all unrighteousnesse towards man, as well as impiety towards God. That building cannot stand long, where unrighteousnes lies between the timber and the stones. God will pull down by night, what such men build by day. If then we would have buildings stand, and our habitations prosperous, let us labour to build with justice, and make ours, the habitations of righteousnesse. Look upon it in families, that which withers the comfort of a family, in children, in servants, is the unrighteousnesse found in a family; if there be unrighteousnesse there, no wonder, if there be decaies and discontents there too. If there be unrighteousnesse in Cities; If (Psal. 55.11.) deceit and guile go not out of our streets, no marvell if complainings goe not out of our streets. We call for peace and prosperity, O that peace would come! but if our hearts were set upon this, if we laboured every one with himself, and every one with his brother, and every one with the publike to the uttermost of his line, that we may in our persons, in our families, in our policies, be an habitation of righteousnesse; how soon should we all be a prosperous habitation, an habitation of peace?
