he who " for a morsel of meat sells his birthright," and for a momentary gratification consigns his soul over to perdition.]
2. A state of condemnation on account of sin —
[This necessarily accompanies the former. There is no freedom from condemnation where there is bondage to sin. Christ came not to save his people in their sins, but from them : and the certainty of punishment is that, which renders sin so bitter and so formidable. Were there no future account to be given of our actions, the bonds of iniquity would lose their terror : but it is the thought of hell that gives a poignancy to the accusations of conscience, and makes the sinner tremble at the prospect of death and judgment, and often wish for utter annihilation. We say not that every sinner feels such anguish of soul (for many are " past feeling, having seared their con- sciences as with an hot iron "), but we are sure that they would do so if they knew their state, and will do so the very instant they enter into the invisible world. They are therefore in the gall of bitterness, because " the wrath of God abideth on them."]
That this is the lamentable condition of many amongst us will appear, if we inquire, II. Who may evidently be " perceived" to be in that state ?
While some are manifestly in a very different state, and the condition of others is dubious, there are some who are indisputably in the state just described —
1. They who are yet under the dominion of their former lusts —
[Simon had lately been a sorcerer, but upon embracing Christianity had ceased from the practice of his magic arts. Nevertheless his desire of gain and his love of man's applause were altogether unmortified. Hence when a prospect of aggrandizing himself opened to his view, he was ready to return to his former course of life. Nor did he regard what means he used, provided he might but attain his end. And are there not too many amongst ourselves who are yet addicted to their former lusts ? Are not many, who in the days of their ignorance were proud, passionate, unforgiving, still prone to relapse into their former sins the very instant that any temptation occurs ? Are not many as earthly, sensual, and devilish, in their tempers and dispositions as ever? Let them then not deceive themselves — their state may be easily and clearly " perceived." It was by such marks that Peter knew beyond a doubt the state of Simon; and by such may the slate of every professor in the universe be determined. If they