at the thought of being found enemies to him, who, as omni- scient, sees; as holy, hates; as just, condemns; and, as almighty, will punish, such daring impiety.]
III. The state of those who cultivate it —
[Nothing can be more express than the declaration of the text : they are " enemies of God." Whether they intend it or not, whether they think of it or not, they are olenites of God. However sober, modest, kind, generous, and amiable they may be in their deportment, they still are enemies of God. Exalt their characters ever so highly, so that they shall appear in the most enviable light, you must bring them down at last with this melancholy exception, but " they are enemies of God*"
Nor is this a matter that admits of doubt. St. James even appealed to the very persons whom he was condemning, and made them judges in their own cause; "Know ye not this?" can ye doubt of it one moment? does not the Scripture fully declare it? does not experience universally attest it?
But there is an emphasis in the text, that marks this truth in the strongest manner. As an avowed desire to compass the death of the king is treason, though that wish should never be accomplished ; so the determining to maintain friendship with the world, when God commands us to " come out from it and be separate," is treason against the King of kings: the very willing to side in this manner with the world, constitutes0 us enemies of God.]
Address —
1. The friends of the world —
[It is to be feared that even in a Christian assembly the doctrine of the text will be called in question ; and that many, whose conduct in other respects is unexceptionable, impute no blame to themselves for their attachment to the world. Yea, so ignorant of their duty are the generality of Christians, that instead of saying, " Know ye not" we must rather say to them, " Know ye that the friendship of the world is enemity with God?" For, alas! few in this day seem to know it, or even to suspect it : and their reply to us would be, ' No, I neither know it, nor believe it ; nor shall any thing that you can say persuade me to receive a sentiment so unreasonable, and so contrary to common sense.' But, brethren, so it is, whether ye know it or not. Let none therefore deceive themselves, or attempt to unite the friendship of the world with friendship with God ; for that is impossible, as our Lord has plainly told us: " Ye cannot serve God and mammon."]
b 2 Kings v. 1. c "Or av fiovXijOij Kadiararai.