believe notc :" and it is astonishing to what a degree he deludes their souls. He instigates them to the commission of sin under the idea that it is at least excusable, if not altogether justifiable and right d. He teaches them to " call evil good and good evil ; to put darkness for light, and light for darkness, bit- ter for sweet, and sweet for bitter6." We may see one man carried on by ostentation and vanity, while he thinks himself actuated by zeal for Godf. Another yields to a vindictive spirit, yet supposes that he is only maintaining a just regard for his own charac- ter, or perhaps for the rights of the community g. Through the agency of that subtle fiend, covetous- ness assumes the name of prudence11; prodigality is nothing but a commendable excess of generosity : yea, the most cruel machinations of bigotry, are deemed a service well-pleasing to God1. Who has not noticed in others this sad infatuation ? Who has not seen his neighbours acting under the influence of a bad principle, while they were at the same time as strongly persuaded that they were right, as if there were no room for doubt ? Thus it is more or less with every unrenewed person ; and too often with those also who are yet weak in the faith ; they go on, " not knowing what spirit they are of." In vain do ministers set forth the evil of such a state : in vain do they discriminate, and mark the difference between truth and error : in vain do they endeavour to per- suade men in private, as well as in their public minis- trations : in vain do they confirm every word with the infallible dictates of inspiration : for while men con- tinue destitute of righteousness, " they have eyes, and see not, ears, and hear not, neither do they under- stand1"." Nothing will effectually shew men their error, till they are " renewed in the spirit of their minds." Then they have the film removed from the organs of vision. Then they have a spiritual discernment1 :
c 2 Cor. iv. 4. d 1 Chron. xxi. 1 — 4. e Isai. v. 20.
f 2 Kings x. 16. e Luke ix. 53 — 55. h Luke xii. 13 — 15.
1 John xvi, 2. k John viii. 43.
1 Eph. i. 17, IS. Col. i. 9. 'Lvviati Trt'evfjariKfj.