CHAP. V. VER. 12. 293

1 Cor. 14, 24, Paul says the effect of intelligible preach- ing of the Gospel is conviction—which is explained by saying “the secrets of the heart are revealed.” The duty, therefore, here enjoined is to shed light on these works of darkness; to exhibit them in their true nature as vile and destructive. By this method they are cor- rected; as is more fully taught in the following verses. The ethics as well as the theology of the Bible are founded on the principle, that knowledge and holiness, ignorance and sin, are inseparable. [f you impart knowledge you secure holiness; and if you render ignorant you deprave. This of course is not true of secular knowledge—i. e. of the knowledge of other than religious subjects ; nor is it true of mere specula- tive knowledge of religious truth. It is true only of that knowledge which the Scriptures call spiritual dis- cernment. Of that knowledge, however, intellectual cognition is an essential element. And so far as human agency in the production of the conviction of sin is concerned, it is limited to holding forth the word of life ; or letting the light of divine truth shine into the darkened minds of men, and upon their evil deeds. V.12. These works of darkness should be thus re- proved, “for it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.” There are two reasons why sins are called works of darkness. The first and principal one is, as before remarked, because they spring from darkness or ignorance of God; and the second is, because they are committed in darkness. They shun the light. The exceeding turpitude of these