Jam. iv. 1 7. To him that knowcth to do good, and doeth it not, to
him it is si?}.
THERE is not any thing of which men are more
convinced, than the shortness and uncertainty of life:
yet in the habit of their minds they live as if they
were
were certain of many months and years to come. They form their plans and projects as if they were sure of living to see them executed. Of this the Apostle complains in the preceding context, because it altogether overlooks God in the government of the world, and is nothing less than practical atheism.
Having pointed out the evil of such an habit, the Apostle deduces from it this general position ; that, as the person who in theory acknowledges the pro- vidence of God, and practically denies it, sins ; so, whoever omits to do any other thing which he knows to be right, sins also.
It is my intention,
I. To confirm this truth —
Let us consider what such conduct manifests. It argues,
1. An insensibility in the conscience —
[God has given to every man a conscience, to be, as it were, his vice-gerent in the soul. It is designed by him to check us, when we are in danger of committing any evil, and to sti- mulate us continually to whatever is pleasing in his sight. But if, M^hen we know what is good, we do it not, we shew that we have silenced the voice of conscience, or have rendered our- selves incapable of 'attending to its suggestions. And is this no sin ? Is a sentinel who sleeps at his post, guilty of no crime, when through his unwatchfulness a camp or city is sur- prised ? And is not a Minister, who, when he seeth the sword of God's vengeance uplifted to strike his people, neglects to warn them, justly chargeable with their blood ^? Shall not guilt then attach to you, who lull your consciences asleep, and say to yourselves, " I shall have peace, notwithstanding I walk after the imagination of my own evil heart ''?" The very Heathen were charged with guilt, because, " when from the works of creation they knew God, they glorified him not as God'=:" depend upon it, therefore, that your neglect of known and acknowledged duties cannot but involve your souls also in much guilt.]
2. An indifference to the welfare of our own souls —
[It is by our works that we shall be judged in the last day. We are as servants that have talents committed to us : they who make a good improvement of tiiem will have a pro- portionable
• » Ezek. xxxiii. 6. " Dent. xxix. ly, 20. ' Rom. i. 21.