Surely, if all our natural propensities lead to one or other of the evils against which we are cautioned, it becomes us to be on our guard against them : nor can any expressions be too strong to warn us of our danger™.]
2. Because of the fatal tendency of the evils them- selves—
[The nature of " leaven" is to ferment till it has pervaded and changed the whole mass into which it is put. And well may these errors be designated by such a name. We have seen already that the heart of man by nature is impregnated with dispositions adverse to true religion. And how do these dispositions operate? Do they not work incessantly, till they vitiate the whole man ? Do they not blind our understanding, and pervert our will, and sensualize our affections, and cause every part of our conduct to savour of ungodliness ? Behold also in what manner they operate on those who turn away from the truth ! For a season they have felt the influence of a better leaven, the grace of God : but, being drawn aside by temptation, they begin again to yield to their former corrup- tions : how soon do they lose all their spirituality of mind, and become formal in their devotions, and indiflferent at least, if not also adverse, to all which they before esteemed and relished ! Whoever has observed the rapid and melancholy change which is often wrought in professors of religion through the influence of this leaven, will see cause enough why every disciple of Christ should be cautioned against it.]
3. Because of their ultimate effect —
[What must be the issue of a life spent in Pharisaic pride or Sadducean indifference, it is almost needless to suggest. But surely every man's own reflection should make him careful how he admits such leaven into his soul, or yields to its malignant influence : for eternal happiness and eternal misery are too important to be trifled with : the very word eternity is sufficient to make every man thoughtful and cautious.]
We v^^ill now endeavour,
III. To point out the means w^hereby it may be rendered effectual for our preservation —
Doubtless it is the Spirit of God only that can apply the word to our souls : and therefore we must above all things implore his almighty aid. But it may be
*" The words of our text are very emphatical, bpare kciI irpocri-^^ETe' and in a parallel passage our Lord says, (Lukexii, 1.) Trpwroi' Tvpoa- c'Xf'f, i. e. above all things.