abominations which may be discovered from a closer inspection of, I. The world—
The abominations that are visible to all are ex- ceeding great —
[It is not possible to have the least intercourse with the world, and not see that iniquity abounds on every side. In truth, " the whole world lieth in wickedness," or under the power of the Wicked-one f ]
But the more we know of the world, the more wicked will it appear —
[A person who looks only on the outward appearance of things would be ready to think that St. Paul's description of mankind is a libel on human nature. But the picture which he draws is indeed but too accurate. " Men like not to retain God in their knowledge ; and therefore he gives them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity ; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, de- spiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful ; who, knowing the j udgment of God, that they who commit such things are wor- thy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do themg." There is no abomination that was ever practised amongst the most abandoned of mankind in former ages, but may still be found, nearly, if not altogether, to the same extent as ever. Where Christianity has diffused its light, these deeds of darkness are kept from common obser- vation : but human nature is the same in every age ; and " the god of this world " exercises over it the same despotic sway as everh.]
The same humiliating truth may be applied also to, II. The Church—
The outward-court worshippers are, for the most part, exceedingly corrupt —
[Let any one dispassionately survey the principles and practices of the Church of Rome ; and then say, whether the abominations of that Church will not be found abundant, in proportion as the scrutiny is minute. What is the very foun-
f 1 John v. 19. kv tu irovripaj. e Rom. i. 27 — 32.
n Eph. ii. 2.