21.

There are very many passages of Scripture which ought to be read in
connection with this text; as for example, "Fools make a mock at sin"
(Proverbs 14:9), for only a fool would. Better trifle with the
pestilence and expose one's self to the plague than to discount the
blighting effects of sin. And, again, "The soul that sinneth it shall
die" (Ezekiel 18:4). From this clear statement of the word of God
there is no escape. Or, again, "Our secret sins in the light of thy
countenance" (Psalm 90:8). There is really nothing hidden from his
sight. We may conceal our sinful thoughts from men and sometimes even
our evil practices; but not from God. Or again, "Sin, when it is
finished, bringeth forth death" (James 1:15). Here is unexampled
progress indicated from which there never has been the slightest
deviation. But one of the sharpest texts in all the Word of God, and
one which men somehow in these days seem to ignore, is Paul's
expression, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: whatsoever a man
soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6:7), and if we compare
this reference in the New Testament to the text in the Old Testament
the harvest indeed seems to be sure, for "The wicked shall not be
unpunished."

There is a note of truth in all of these statements for both saint and
sinner. Jeremiah the thirtieth chapter and the eleventh verse, "For I
am with thee, saith the Lord, to save thee: though I make a full end of
all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet I will not make a full
end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave
thee altogether unpunished." The old Prophet is speaking to the people
of Israel; and while he tells them that they are God's people,
nevertheless they shall not altogether go unpunished, for if they sow
to the flesh they must of the flesh reap corruption. In Deuteronomy
the fifth chapter and the ninth verse, we read, "Thou shalt not bow
down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a
jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children
unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me." It is a
solemn fact that the sins of the fathers descend upon the children unto
the third and fourth generation. It is more solemn that so blighting
is the effect of sin that the fourth generation is the last. There is
no fifth. Even though we be pardoned from sin forever, we shall not
altogether go unpunished.

Certainly it is tr