It must be confessed, that in many natural men there are found virtues very nearly resembling the graces before spoken of. There is in many a very diffusive benevolence, a strict regard to equity, and a high sense of integrity : and you will reasonably ask, How are these to be distinguished from those things which we have described as " the fruit of the Spirit ?" 1 answer : To us, who can only see the outward act, it may frequently be difficult to discern the difference between them ; but to God, who sees the heart, they are as different from each other as light from dark- ness. For of these counterfeits I must say,
1. They proceed from man, and from man alone —
[Man needs no particular communication of the Spirit to enable him to perform them. The light of reason points out those virtues as commendable ; and the strength of a man's own resolution is sufficient for the performance of them. Hence the persons of whom we speak never pray to God for his Spirit, nor feel any desire after supernatural aid. But the graces mentioned in our text are " the fruits of the Spirit ;" and never were, nor ever can be, produced, but by his Almighty agency.]
2. They have respect to man, and to man alone —
[The worldling, however virtuous, acts not to God, nor has any distinct desire to fulfil the will of God. He considers, that, as a member of society, he has duties to perform ; and therefore he performs them, as far as he sees occasio?i for them, in the relation in which he stands. He has no other view of them than what an intelligent heathen might have. But the Christian aims at " all goodness, righteousness, and truth." He views these duties in reference to the eternal, as well as the temporal, interests of men. He views them as the Lord Jesus Christ did ; and makes the outward discharge of them subservient to higher and nobler ends. As a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, he has to advance his interests in the salvation of men : and he will account it a small matter to exercise kindness to men in a temporal view, if he may not also, according to his ability, promote their spiritual and eternal welfare.]
3. They are done for man, and for man alone — ■
[A worldling seeks only to please man and to establish a good character amongst his fellow-creatures. If he attain this object, he is satisfied. To stand high in his own esteem, and
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