2136.]
apostolic age, many were turned from the faith by the sophis- try of false teachers : and every day presents some to our view, who are ready to admire and applaud themselves for those very things which more disinterested persons see to be their characteristic failings : yea, plain and palpable faults are not unfrequently committed by persons unconscious of acting wrong, in whose eyes the very faults they commit appear not only innocent, but praiseworthy. It is not the world only that put darkness for light ; even the godly themselves are apt to confound good and evil ; and it is no inconsiderable part of Christian wisdom to distinguish them from each other. The Apostle was anxious that his Philippian converts should form a correct judgment, and so try the things that differed from each other, as to be able to discern the more excellent; just as a refiner proves his metal in the furnace, and thus ascertains its real worth d.
But how shall this be done? We answer, By having our love to divine things more under the influence of an enlightened and spiritual mind. We shall then have within ourselves a faculty, as it were, whereby we may discern the things sub- mitted to it. Our views being more comprehensive, and our judgment more spiritual, we shall be able to weigh every thing in a juster balance, and to discriminate with far greater exact- ness. As the different senses are fitted to give us a right estimate of the things on which they are exercised, so the mind, imbued with ardent love, extensive knowledge, and spiritual discernment, will rightly appreciate whatever presents itself to its notice, and calls for its decision.]
2. More steadfast —
[Though sincerity is ever an attendant on true religion, yet is there much hypocrisy still remaining in the renewed heart. We do not mean that there is any allowed guile ; for that would at once determine a man to be no true Israelite : but every grace in man's heart is imperfect, and admits of growth ; and, consequently, sincerity amongst the rest. More- over, as long as we continue in the body, we are liable to err ; and not only to stumble ourselves, but even to become stum- bling-blocks to others. Not the attainments of St. Peter himself could place him beyond the reach of sin. We may appeal to all who " know the plague of their own hearts," whether they do not still feel within themselves a proneness to act with an undue reference to the good opinion of their fellow-creatures ; and whether they have not still reason to lament the existence of manifold defects in their deportment
d See note c. This seems to be the precise idea contained in the Apostle's words.