Moral and Religious Anecdotes Genesis 34:6-31 And Hamor the father of Shechem went out to Jacob to commune with him.… The Rev. S. Kilpin, of Exeter, had witnessed the awful consequences produced in the Church of Christ, and in families from those who professed to be the disciples of Jesus, forming marriages contrary to the command — "Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers," "only in the Lord," &c. As he never shunned to declare the whole counsel of God, this subject was presented to his congregation. The next day, a gentleman, whose name or residence he never knew, called to thank him for the discourse, adding that his state of mind, when he entered Exeter, was most distressing, as he was on the very point of complying with a dreadful temptation which would have embittered his future life. He had been a disciple of Christ, was anxious to consecrate his life to the service of his adorable Muster, and had sought a helpmate to strengthen his hands in serving God. A lady, whom he deemed pious, had accepted his addresses; but, when every customary arrangement was made, she had dishonourably discarded him. His mind was so exceedingly wounded and disgusted, that he had determined to choose a wife who made no profession of religion, and had fixed on another object for his addresses, with every prospect of success, although he had not as yet mentioned his intention to her. He added, "But the providence of God led me, an entire stranger in this city, to your meeting-house. You may suppose that your subject arrested my attention. You appeared to be acquainted with every feeling of my soul. I saw my danger, and perceived the temptation, and the certain ruin of my peace, if the dreadful snare had not been broken. You, sir, under God, have been my deliverer. By the next Sabbath I should have been bound in honour to an enemy of that Jesus whom I adore; for although she is moral and externally correct, yet she knows the Saviour only in name. I could not leave the city in peace until I had sought to make this communication." They unitedly addressed Him who can deliver, and does deliver His people. Thus, while part of his congregation thought it an unfit subject for the pulpit, at least one person received it as a message from God, by whom it was no doubt sent. (Moral and Religious Anecdotes.). Parallel Verses KJV: And Hamor the father of Shechem went out unto Jacob to commune with him.WEB: Hamor the father of Shechem went out to Jacob to talk with him. |
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