heart. If then our " thoughts be not so far captivated to the obedience of Christ" that we cherish those that are holy, and mortify all that are corrupt, we may perceive beyond a doubt that we are in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity.]
Infer —
1. What need is there for the professors of religion to examine their own hearts !
[Simon had been approved by his fellow-creatures, and even by an inspired servant of God. From hence doubtless he would augur well respecting his own state. Yet in the midst of all he only deceived his own soul. What need then have we to examine ourselves! The approbation of men is but a small matter. It is not he who commendeth himself, or is commended by others, but he whom the Lord commendeth, that shall stand before him with approbation in the last day d. Judge yourselves then, brethren, that ye be not judged of the Lord. Examine not your actions only, but your desires, your motives, and your thoughts. By these will God determine your state in the last day ; nor shall any but the upright in heart be accepted of him.]
2. What reason have true Christians to rejoice —
[The declaration made to Simon intimated that no true Christian was in his state. Blessed thought ! If we really believe in Jesus, and experience the purifying efficacy of that faith, we have nothing to fear. The bonds of sin are broken asunder. Nor shall one drop of the cup of bitterness be ever tasted by us to all eternity. Rejoice, believer, in thy Deliverer: thou once wast in the state of Simon, a miserable, enslaved, condemned sinner ; but now " the Son hath made thee free, and thou art free indeed." " There is no condemnation to thee since thou art in Christ Jesus." Rejoice evermore ; but endeavour still to maintain a guard over thy words and thoughts. " Seek not great things for thyself," nor " the honour that cometh of man." Be more solicitous about graces than about gifts. And whatever God hath bestowed on thee, labour to improve it, not for thine own glory, but for the good of men and the glory of God. Thus shall it be evidently " perceived" that thou art in the way of peace, and thou shalt receive the plaudit of thy Lord himself in the day of judgment.]
<* 2 Cor. x. 18.