In reflecting on this subject, we cannot but see,
1. What enemies to themselves they are, who
indulge unhallowed tempers!
[I will not say, they are enemies to God, whose law they violate; or to their fellow-creatures, whose peace they disturb: but I will say, they are enemies to themselves ; for they actually drive God from them ; and cause him, who would dwell in their hearts as their Comforter and their God, to become their enemy : as it is said, " If any man defile the temple of God, him will God destroy x." And what must be their prospects in relation to the eternal world ? Can they enjoy any of the true Christian's confidence ? or, if they possess any confidence at all, is it not a horrible delusion ? Religious professors speak much about their doubts and fears : and truly many of them have abundant reason to doubt and fear; for their tempers bear no resemblance whatever to " the meekness and gentleness of Christ :" yea, many of these professors have less self-government than the ungodly world ; and they make all unhappy that are about them. As to their fears, they are right enough ; but as to their doubts, it may well be questioned whether they are right: for if they were Christ's, they would " put on Christ," and " crucify those affections and lusts" which are so abhorrent to his religion^ They may talk of their faith : but if their faith do not work by love, it is no better than the faith of devils. The fruit of the Spirit is, love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meek- ness, temperance :" and if these fruits do not characterize our life and conversation, I hesitate not to say, that " our religion is vain :" for St. James says, " If any man (high or low, rich or poor, old or young) — if any man among you seem to be reli- gious (and make ever so fair a profession), and bridleth not his
u Heb. vi. 9, 10. x 1 Cor. ill. 17. >' Gal. iii. 27. and v. 24.