That was scrupulosity indeed ! These hardened men •were actually engaged in doing the wickedest act that mortal man ever did. They wanted to kill their own Messiah. And yet at this very time they talked of be- ing " defiled," and were very particular about the pass- over !
The conscience of unconverted men is a very curious part of their moral nature. While in some cases it be- comes hardened, seared, and dead, until it feels nothing; in others it becomes morbidly scrupulous about the lesser matters of religion. It is no uncommon thing to find people excessively particular about the observance of trifling forms and outward ceremonies, while they are the slaves of degrading sins and detestable immoral- ities. Robbers and murderers in some countries are extremely strict about confession, and absolution, and prayers to saints. Fastings and self-imposed austerities in Lent, are often followed by excess of world liness when Lent is over. There is but a step from Lent to Carnival. The attendants at daily services in the morn- ing are not unfrequently the patrons of balls and thea- tres at night. All these are symptoms of spiritual disease, and a heart secretly dissatisfied. Men who know they are wrong in one direction, often struggle to make things right by excess of zeal in another direction. That very zeal is their condemnation.
Let us pray that our consciences may always be en- lightened by the Holy Ghost, and that we may be kept from a one-sided and deformed Christianity. A reli- gion that makes a man neglect the weightier matters of daily holiness and separation from the world, and con- centrate his whole attention on forms, sacraments, cere- monies, and public services, is to say the least, very suspicious. It may be accompanied by immense zeal and show of earnestness, but it is not sound in the sight