“Covetous.” A desire for worldly gain, loving money. By their conversation and general manner they manifest a strong desire for wealth, resorting to festivals and fairs to gain money.
“Boasters.” Placing a high estimate on their own personal worth and accomplishments. As a man recently remarked of a stained window in a meeting-house: “See that window! Is not that fine? That cost one hundred dollars. That is my window, I put that in. These others only cost seventy-five dollars. See, here are my initials.”
“Proud.” Studying to make a fine appearance, [pg 399] striving to excel in pulpit oratory, advertising the work they have done—so many have been converted through my labors, etc. All these works are indications of a proud heart.
“Blasphemers.” To speak lightly of sacred things, to ridicule any portion of God's Word. Many professors of Christianity of to-day when asked if they believe in the ordinance of feet-washing will make some such answer as, “If your feet are dirty, you ought to wash them.” The doctrines of holiness and divine healing are often impiously spoken of. Jesus Christ is sometimes charged with being a freemason, and recently a man said that the Savior went to school and studied for the ministry.
“Disobedient to parents.” Is there not many a young lady and young man in apostate Protestantism, trampling under their feet the commands and wishes of their parents? The “old man,” or the “old woman” (as they often speak of their parents), they say, “is not going to rule me.”
“Unthankful.” Murmuring when reverses come; complaining if their financial undertakings are unsuccessful; dissatisfied and discontented. These are evidences of an unthankful and ungrateful heart.
“Unholy.” Those who dispute the doctrine of holiness, of purity or sinless perfection. They confess that they commit sin, and their life bears evidence that their confession is true. Or should they profess holiness and yet not live a true holy life they are classed with the great dark apostasy.
“Without natural affection.” Many times the love of self, the love of pleasure, the love of the world, and sin in general destroys the natural affection. Mothers in their heart regret their children were born, because it prevents their entering society as they would like. They bewail the state of pregnancy for the same reason, and resort to murderous means for the privilege of enjoying more of the pleasures of sin and the world. Children also often betray a great lack of natural affection by their treatment of parents and one another.
“Truce-breakers.” Having but little regard for a promise or obligation; violating obligations and promises to God and to man.
“False accusers.” Slandering those who do live and obey the whole Word of God.