But he " is not washed from his filthiness" —
[Much fihhiness there is in the heart of every man hy na- ture ; and there is a filthiness which every person may properly call his own, as being congenial with his own feelings, and particularly connected with his own character. With the character before us there is a very abundant measure of pride, venting itself in a constant habit of self-confidence and self- complacency. Combined with this are impenitence and un- belief: for how is it possible that he should repent and believe, when he knows not the extent of his guilt and danger ? " Be- ing whole, he feels no need of a physician " He is
altogether under the dominion also of worldly-mindedness. When he has performed his religious duties, he goes to worldly company, without feeling any want, or being sensible of any danger. The friendship of the world is what he delights in as his chief good, never once suspecting, that this very disposition proves and constitutes him an enemy of God^ Thus, though there is nothing in him that the world disapproves, and nothing that seems to call for self-reproach, he is under the habitual and allowed dominion of evils, which render him abominable in the sight of God*^. He has somewhat of " the form of god- liness, but none at all of its power "^ " ]
Amongst this generation we must also number,
II. The almost Christian —
He goes much farther than the decent formalist —
[He is convinced of the truth and excellence of Chris- tianity, and wishes to be a partaker of its benefits. He will vindicate the faithful servants of God against the accusations brought against them by the ungodly world; and will actually
comply with many things which the Gospel requires
From this partial change in himself he begins to think that he is a Christian indeed. His constrained approbation of the Gospel appears to him to be a cordial acceptance of it : and his slender performances of its duties are in his estimation like an unreserved obedience.]
But, like him, he deceives his own soul —
[He will not renounce all for Christ. When our Lord says, " Go, sell all that thou hast, and give to the poor, and come and follow me," he departs sorrowful, like the Rich Youth, and chooses the world in preference to Christ. He draws back also from the cross, which he will not bear. He is ashamed of Christ, even at the very time that he shews some regard both for his word and ministers. He will not " come out from the world and be separate ;" but still remains
a Jam. iv. 4. ^ Luke xvi. 15. = 2 Tim. iii. 5.