These words recommend family-love and peace, as conducing very much to
the comfort of human life. 1. Those that live in unity and quietness,
not only free from jealousies and animosities, but vying in mutual
endearments, and obliging to one another, live very comfortably, though
they are low in the world, work hard and fare hard, though they have
but each of them a morsel, and that a dry morsel. There may be peace
and quietness where there are not three meals a day, provided there by
a joint satisfaction in God's providence and a mutual satisfaction in
each other's prudence. Holy love may be found in a cottage. 2. Those
that live in contention, that are always jarring and brawling, and
reflecting upon one another, though they have plenty of dainties, a
house full of sacrifices, live uncomfortably; they cannot expect the
blessing of God upon them and what they have, nor can they have any
true relish of their enjoyments, much less any peace in their own
consciences. Love will sweeten a dry morsel, but strife will sour and
embitter a house full of sacrifices. A little of the leaven of malice
will leaven all the enjoyments.