practise, or desire to practise, the same iniquities that they did in their unenlightened state, they are surely " in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity." « Whosoever allowedly committeth sin is most unquestionably the servant of sin," and the child " of the devil6."]
2. They who pursue religion for carnal ends — [Simon earnestly desired the power of conferring the Holy Ghost, and would have given a sum of money to obtain it. But from what motive did this spring? Was he desirous of honouring Christ, or of benefiting his fellow-creatures ? No : he only desired to advance his own reputation and interest. Alas ! how many are there who follow Christ from no better motive ! They hope that by mixing with the society of God's people they shall promote their temporal interests. They wish to be caressed by religious persons, and to be held in reputation for their sanctity and zeal. They do not merely, as even sincere Christians too often do, feel a mixture of prin- ciple within them, which they mourn over and resist ; but they act uniformly from selfish motives, and with a view to their own ease, interest, or honour. Need we ask the state of such people? It may be too easily " perceived." Like those who follow Christ for the loaves and fishes, they are in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity.]
3. They who are not attentive to their thoughts as well as their actions —
[Many, from the customs of the world, take care to reo-u- late their outward actions, while their thoughts range at liberty and without controul. Simon conceived the thought of pur- chasing the power of conferring the Holy Ghost; and, instead of mortifying, indulged it. Peter, in his reproof, bade him particularly " pray, if perhaps the thought of his heart might be forgiven him;" and perceived by this thought, which he had so unadvisedly divulged, that his « heart was not right in the sight of God, and that he had no part or lot in the Gospel salvation." And may not many amongst ourselves draw the same conclusion from the vain thoughts that lod*e within them? We are well aware that the best of men may have sinful thoughts rushing into their minds ; but will they harbour them ? No : every true Christian may say as in the presence of God, "I hate vain thoughts." But the>, who " regard iniquity in their hearts," are in a state of desperate delusion. God, who searcheth the heart, and trieth the reins, will bring every secret thing into judgment," and acquit or condemn, according as he sees the prevailing bent of the
c John viii. .34, 44. and 1 John iii. 8.