IV. THE LORD HATES THE HEART THAT DEVISETH WICKED IMAGINATIONS.

The imagination of man is a fruitful source both of error and of wickedness. To devise wickedness in the imagination, is to invent and contrive methods of practising and promoting wickedness; and it is a much greater crime than that which is done by the sudden impulse of a moment. The minds of some men are as deep and as dark as hell. Their imaginations are at work both day and night to devise plans and schemes of lust and cruelty. Religion, with all its beauties and excellencies, does - not escape their diabolical thoughts. They lay stratagems for the pious; they project plans for the overthrow of every sacred truth, and of every heavenly principle. Their minds are like the dark regions of the infernal pit, where, it is probable, devils join in counsel against God and man, and then go forth with speed to execute their dreadful plans. Be it recollected, however, that a dark thought cannot spring up in the mind, without being instantly perceived by the piercing eye of an omniscient God, who hates, and will punish all this hidden iniquity. What a blessing it is that both providence and grace are continually counteracting these wicked imaginations!

V. THE LORD HATES THOSE FEET THAT BE SWIFT IN RUNNING TO MISCHIEF.

Wicked imaginations lead to wicked actions; and men who cherish them are in haste to sin against the Lord. Pious men delight in doing good; but these sons of Belial delight in doing mischief. This discovers a corrupt heart, where every action has its spring; and their inward state is read in their outward conduct. "A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things."

Swift feet indicate zeal; and, alas, there are too many who are zealous in mischief! They burn with strong desire to injure men both in their persons, property, and character. Opportunities of this kind are not very frequent; but whenever an opportunity offers, these monsters of iniquity hasten to the spot, and exert their devilish power to the uttermost. How unlike the Son of God, who went about doing good! Such men may be compared to savage beasts of prey, and to devils, who hasten from place to place to ruin and destroy. But God, who is good to all, and whose tender mercies are over all his works, beholds them with abomination; and soon will pour his heavy judgments down upon

their guilty heads. A man of this description may prosper for a time; but soon, very soon, "His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealings shall come down upon his own pate."

VI. THE LORD HATES A FALSE WITNESS THAT SPEAKETH LIES.

This refers to courts of justice. Common lying is hateful to God; but perjury is much more hateful. He who speaks lies in a court of justice endangers the life and liberty of man; but some are so depraved, that they regard neither. He that feareth not an oath, neither fears God, nor regards man. O guard against this growing evil, lest that God to whom your solemn appeal is made, should strike you dead upon the spot. When you are called upon to bear witness, be girt about with truth, and call to mind the solemn command which is given upon this occasion, "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.", Recollect seriously, that what you gain by a false oath is but of trifling value when compared with what you lose in the favour of Heaven. Think of the injury you are doing to your neighbour; of the stings of conscience on a future day; and of the righ teous judgments of God, which will fall upon you in an unexpected hour.

VII. THE LORD HATES HIM WHO SOWETH DISCORD AMONG BRETHREN.

Brethren are sons of one father. Good men, of all nations, having God for their father, are brethren. Unity amongst brethren, both in private families and in churches, is very desirable. "Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard! that went down to the skirts of his garments; as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion."

The seeds of discord are generally sown by violent tempers and secret whisperers. "A froward man soweth strife; and a whisperer separateth chief friends." A violent temper frequently sets a house on a blaże, and the flames rage with ungovernable fury. When a man of this temper joins a religious society, there is great danger of discord, unless (which does not always happen) his boisterous temper be subdued by the grace of God. A whisperer ought to be held in abomination. He sows discord by artful and sly misrepresentations; when at the same time he is full of a pompous profession of friendship. He carries lies from one to another,

and peace and harmony flee at his ap proach. Discord may be sown by a whisperer who relates nothing but facts; for many facts should be concealed for the sake of peace. Weaknesses and frailties should

be covered with the mantle of love.

We cannot wonder that the Lord hates these evils. They are directly contrary to his nature; and they are ruinous to men. Be careful to avoid them at all times. If you regard either the honour of God, the happiness of men, or your own individual comfort, pray earnestly for a deliverance from these great sins. Thanks be to the blessed Jesus, who came into the world to save sinners! Those who feel his saving power are humble; they abhor a lie; they are merciful; they devise good things; their feet are swift in running to do good; they fear an oath; and they "follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."