will judge the strong, and the strong despise the weak. Per- sons, whose situations totally disqualify them for estimating aright the conduct of others who are differently circumstanced, will yet take upon them to determine with confidence the line of conduct that should be pursued, and to pass a sentence of condemnation on those who walk not in the way that seems good to them. In truth, there are but few who do not need that reproof: " Who art thou that judgest another? To his own Master he standeth or falleth."]
Thus we see to whom the expostulation in our text is addressed; namely, to all who "judge others, whilst they themselves do the same things," or things equally reprehensible. We proceed now to,
II. Consider the address itself —
This is extremely pointed. The interrogations shew how fearfully these persons delude themselves. The address is, in fact, an appeal to the consciences of the persons addressed ; and it constitutes them judges in their own cause. It shews to all such un- charitable persons, what an awful state they them- selves are in :
1. How vain their hopes ! [All the fore-mentioned characters imagine, that they themselves have nothing to fear: but they are all in a state displeasing to God, " whose judgment is according to truth against them that do such things b." Can any man suppose that a mere profession of religion will pass with God for the actual experience of it in the heart ? or that a forwardness to condemn others will be a substitute for the performance of our own duties ? Will God form his judgment upon the partial grounds which we take for the forming of ours? Will he admit as just the estimate which we have made of our own character, or be content to try us by the standard which we have used in trying ourselves ? No : his law is perfect ; and by that he will try all to whom that law has been revealed. He will weigh us all in the balance of the sanctuary ; he will " try the hearts," and " weigh the spirits," of the children of men : he will " not judge according to the appearance, but will judge righteous judgment." We appeal then to all, shall these uncharitable hypocrites escape? O thou, who hast thus deceived thyself hitherto, what dost thou now think? Thinkest thou, that, because thou knowest more than others, or makest a greater profession of religion than others, thou shalt escape? Know, that such a hope is vain : " We are sure0," that, if thou b ver. 2. c ver. 2.