From hence then we may see,
1. The nature of true rehgion —
[That there are many who greatly mistake its nature, is evident from our text : but, when duly received into the heart, it neither insists on spiritual exercises to the neglect of moral virtues, nor on moral virtues to the neglect of communion with God: it has equal resjiect to both the tables of the Law. Let not any then attempt to put asunder what God has so inseparably joined. Let not any trust to their moral virtues on the one hand, nor to their spiritual exercises on the other ; but let it be the endeavour of all to " have respect unto all the commandments," and to stand perfect and complete in all the will of God."]
2. The danger of self-deceit —
[We think it evident, that the persons here addressed as " Rulers of Sodom and people of Gomorrha," had by no means formed a just estimate of their own character. And we all see among those around us many who lie under a similar delusion : the conceited professor sees the blindness of the Pharisee, whilst the Pharisee notices with equal clearness his vain conceit. Professors too notice each other's failings, and often, with too much reason, stand in doubt of each other. But all are blind to their own failings : they make far too much allowance for their own evils ; and sometimes glory in them as virtues : and so confident are many, of their own acceptance before God, that they will almost at the bar of judgment chal- lenge heaven as their desert*^. But, whilst they remain under the power of any allowed sin, " their religion is vain'," and their Judge will disclaim all knowledge of them''; yea, their unmor- tified lust, whatever it be, will plunge their souls into everlast- ing perdition'. We say not this to discourage the sincere, but to put all upon their guard, and especially to bring to self- examination those who are most confident that all is well with them. For it is certain that " the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath," and " fearfulness will surprise them" in the day of judgment'".]
3. The excellency of the Gospel —
[The Gospel not only teaches us these things", but shews us where pardon for all our transgressions may be obtained, and how strength may be acquired for the discharge of all our duties. Even under the law, these views were revealed ; for, in the words following our text, God told his people, that their scarlet sins should, if mourned over and forsaken, " become
1' Matt. XXV, 44. ' James 1. 2G. ^ Matt, vii, 22, 23.
' Matt. V. 29, 30. "> Isai.xxxiii. 14 " Tit. ii. 11, 12.