Homilist Lamentations 3:1-21 I AM the man that has seen affliction by the rod of his wrath. I. The "hedge" of MORAL SENSE. Conscience shuts the sinner in and prevents him from a full development of all the wicked passions and impulses of his nature. II. The "hedge" OF SOCIAL LIFE. 1. Social relationship. How many sinners are held in by the influence of father, mother, brother, sister! 2. Social sentiment. In a morally enlightened age like ours, public sentiment is strong against wrong, and most men stand in awe of public sympathy. III. The hedge of PERSONAL INCAPACITY. 1. The want of physical health. Many men would do far more mischief were they not so physically frail. 2. The want of intellectual ability. Many men would swindle on a large scale, propagate infidelity by their writings and their oratory, had they the ability. 3. The want of secular means. Were there not so much incapacity and poverty, the world would abound with Alexanders, Caesars, and Napoleons. Thank God for these hedges! (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: I am the man that hath seen affliction by the rod of his wrath.WEB: I am the man that has seen affliction by the rod of his wrath. |
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