The sad effects of sin. A true relation of the murder committed by David…

First. We may Wonder that some Destructive Wickednesses are not ever now and then done in the World, by people that are Wicked enough to do them. There are people, who have nothing within them, to withhold them, from such Things as are too horrible to be spoken of. People there are, who would Stick at nothing, that they could see themselves able to do, that they may ruin others, and Enrich themselves. People there are, who if it came into their Minds, what they are capable of doing, and yet might Lie Concealed after all, and it may be Roast their own Eggs into the Bargain, would soon be the Actors of direful Tragedies! Many an honest man, is aware of Ways to do incredible Mischief, which if some ⟨p. 22⟩Wicked men should be as much aware of, they would be more perilous Creatures, than the Dragon of Hetruria, whereof Dion tells us, that after he had made fearful Devastations, he was killed with a Thunderbolt. The men are Devils, and very cunning and subtle Devils too; but they have Chains of Darkness upon them. They don't see what they can do: And would if they saw it. Prudence will direct, that I should not go too far in Explaining my self.—But this I may say; There are People that would make a very Light matter of a Perjury; they would make nothing for a small matter to Forswear themselves. Tis a wonder, that no more Naboths are Sworn out of their Lives, or at least out of their Vineyards, by them that have no Yoke upon them. Tis very strange! And so is another thing, that I will venture to speak of. He that is willing to throw away his own Life, may easily be master of Another mans. And yet, you have known many people set upon throwing away their own Lives. But you scarce ever knew one of these desperate Suicides disposed unto the killing of any besides themselves. What is the Reason of this? Our Good God has ⟨p. 23⟩acquainted us; I withheld them!

First. We may Wonder that some Destructive Wickednesses are not ever now and then done in the World, by people that are Wicked enough to do them. There are people, who have nothing within them, to withold them, from such Things as are too horrible to be spoken of. People there are, who would Stick at nothing, that they could see themselves able to do, that they may ruine others, and Enrich themselves. People there are, who if it came into their Minds, what they are capable of doing, and yet might Ly Concealed after all, and it may be Roast their own Eggs into the Bargain, would soon be the Actors of direful Tragedies! Many an honest man, is aware of Wayes to do incredible Mischief, which if some