"And how could it be otherwise?
Whether men take heed or not, the evil they permit to lie at their doors will surely do them harm.

Ignorance of a statute, a moral or a physical law gives no immunity from consequence if the law be transgressed--a fact that thousands learn every year to their sorrow.
There are those who would call this spread of disease, originating here, all over our city, a judgment from God, to punish the people for that neglect and indifference which has left such a hell as this in their midst.

I do not so read it.

God has no pleasure in punishments and retributions.

The evil comes not from him.