Christian Theology - Media Sabda Org

esisted and repelled, because he is known; but the covetous man, who,
as far as his personal safety will admit, is outraging all the requisitions of
justice, is an unseen pestilence, sowing the seeds of desolation and ruin
in society. Achan's covetousness, which led him to break the law of God,
had nearly proved the destruction of the Israelitish camp; nor would the
Lord turn away from his displeasure till the evil was detected, and the
criminal punished.
The spirit of covetousness cancels all bonds and obligations, makes
wrong right, and cares nothing for father or brother.
A covetous man is, in effect, and in the sight of God, a murderer: he
wishes to get all the gain that can accrue to any or all who are in the same
business that he follows; no matter to him how many families starve in
consequence. This is the very case with him who sets up shop after shop
in different parts of the same town or neighbourhood, in which he carries
on the same business, and endeavours to undersell others in the same
trade, that he may get all into his own hand.
How apt are men to decry the goods they wish to purchase, in order
that they may get them at a cheaper rate; and when they have made their
bargain, and carried it off; boast to others at how much less than its value
they have received it! Are such honest men? Is such knavery actionable?
Can such be punished only in another world? St. Augustine tells us a
pleasant story on this subject: "A certain mountebank published in the full
theatre that at the next entertainment he would show to every man present
what was in his heart. The time came, and the concourse was immense:
all waited, with deathlike silence, to hear what he would say to each. He
stood up, and in a single sentence redeemed his pledge:—'You all wish
to buy cheap, and sell dear.' He was applauded; for every one felt it to be
a description of his own heart, and was satisfied that all others were
similar."
How often does charity serve as a cloak for covetousness! God is
sometimes robbed of his right under the pretence of devoting what is