Here then let us call to mind the first words of the text; "LET NO MAN DECEIVE HIMSELF." We all, and especially those "who seem wise in this world," are in danger of self-deception. But let us remember that "the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." Let us therefore "not lean to our own understandings;" but, aware of the weakness and fallibility of our own reason, let us submit ourselves humbly to the teachings of God's word and Spirit,

To this advice it may be objected perhaps, That we promote an enthusiastic dependence on divine impulses; and puff up ignorant persons with spiritual pride; and discourage the pursuit of sound learning.

Let us then be heard in reply to these objections,

In answer to the first we say, that we should indeed promote enthusiasm, if we exhorted any one to follow influences that were independent of the written word: but if we recommend all persons to regulate their sentiments solely by the written word, and to rely on the influences of the holy Spirit no further than they accord with that, then neither we, nor they, are in any danger of enthusiasm, because the sacred oracles are an unalterable standard, to which every thought and action may be brought, and by which its quality may be infallibly de

termined.

With respect to the encouraging of spiritual pride, surely the inculcating of humility is a strange way of promoting pride. Suppose we were to tell men that their own reason is sufficient for every purpose of spiritual instruction; and that they were at liberty to weigh every truth of scripture in their own balance, and to admit, or alter, or expunge whatever accorded with, or opposed, their own sentiments; then indeed there were some foundation for the objection. But when we recommend a cheerful submission to the voice of inspiration, and an humble dependence on God's promised aid, we cut up pride by the very roots, and lead men to confess, that all their sufficiency is of God alone. And if any pervert this doctrine to the fostering of their own pride

n 1 Cor. i. 25.

Vol. IV.

Y

• Prov. iii. 5.

(and what doctrine is there that has not been perverted?) the fault is not in the doctrine itself, but in those who abuse it: and if an argument from the abuse of a thing be valid, we must then give up the Bible itself; since every doctrine in it has been more or less abused.

Lastly, as to the discouraging of sound learning, how can that be a consequence of the foregoing statement? We have not insinuated that worldly wisdom is unnecessary for worldly purposes, but only for the attainment of divine knowledge: and therefore we can no more be said to speak against human wisdom because we deny the necessity of it in order to the attainment of that which is divine, than we could be said to decry divine wisdom, if we should deny that to be necessary in the investigation of human sciences. Nor have we intimated that human wisdom is of little value for the elucidating of the scriptures; for most assuredly it is of exceeding great value in this view, especially when used in conjunction with, and in subserviency to, divine wisdom. And lest any one should conceive, that deductions, unfavourable to the pursuit of literature, should appear to be authorized by this discourse, we declare unequivocally, that it is the duty, the indispensable duty, of all students, whatever be the sphere in which they are afterwards to move, to cultivate human wisdom, and with all diligence to prosecute the work assigned them, "not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake." We do not hesitate to say, that they would be culpable in the highest degree, if they should make religion a pretext for neglecting their academical studies. We would solemnly exhort them all to remember, that, as in our families, so also in God's family, every servant best executes his Master's will, when he is most attentive to the duties of his place and station.

Having thus endeavoured in few words to obviate such objections as were likely to arise, what remains, but that we intreat those who think themselves wise, to become fools in their own sight; and those who feel that they "lack wisdom, to ask it of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and without upbraiding."

P James i. 5.

CCCLXXXII. THE SELF-FLATTERING DELUSIONS

OF SINNERS EXPOSED.

Ps. xxxvi. 2. He flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.

IT may well astonish us to see how careless and indifferent men are about the favour of God. But the Psalmist assigns the true reason for it. Every one cherishes in his mind some delusion, whereby he lulls his conscience asleep; and thus, notwithstanding his guilt and danger, rests satisfied with his state, till God himself interpose, in a way of mercy or of judgment, to undeceive him.

To elucidate his words, we shall

I. Point out some of the self-flattering delusions which are commonly entertained

We shall notice some which obtain

1. Among the careless world

[They imagine that God does not regard the conduct of his creatures"---Or, that he is too merciful to consign them over to everlasting perdition"———Or that, at least, a little repentance will suffice---Or that, at all events, it is time enough yet to think of turning seriously to Godd

2. Among those who profess some regard for religion

[They judge that a moral conduct, with a regular observance of the outward forms of religion, is all that is requir ede―――Or, that the embracing of the truths of the gospel, and joining themselves to the Lord's people, is a true and scriptural conversion-Or, that the having, at some for

a Job xxii. 13. Ps. xciv. 7. But it is a sad delusion, Prov. xv. 3. 1 Cor. iv. 5. Eccl. xii. 14. Deut. xxix. 19, 20.

b Zeph. i. 12. 2 Pet. iii. 4. But this is also a fatal error, Ps. ix. 17. and 2 Pet. ii. 4, 5, 6, 9.

e Repentance is not so small a thing as men suppose. It is nothing less than a thorough renovation of the heart in all its powcrs; a putting off the old man, and a putting on the new, John iii. 3. Eph. iv. 22-24.

d Acts xxiv. 25. If other delusions have proved fatal to thousands, this has destroyed tens of thousands. The folly of it appears from James iv. 14. Luke xii. 20. and Gen. vi. 3. Prov. i. 24-31. • Our Lord warns us against this mistake, Matt. v. 20. f But what did this avail the foolish virgins? Matt. xxv. 1—12. or Judas? xxvi. 21-24. See also, Matt. xiii. 30, 40, 41, 42.

mer period, had their affections strongly exercised about religious things, is a proof of their present acceptance with Gods-Or, that a present pleasure in religious duties, with a partial mortification of sin, is a sufficient evidence of their sincerity--]

But the vanity of these delusions will appear, while we II. Shew when and how they shall be removed

The eyes of all will sooner or later be opened, and their vain conceits be dissipated

1. Some will have their errors rectified in conversion

[When the Spirit of God enlightens the mind of man, ́ he scatters the clouds of ignorance and error; and, as far at least as respects the foregoing delusions, guides them into the knowledge of the truth. He shews us, not only that our sins are known to God, but that we are in danger of condemnation on account of them, and that we ought to turn to God' instantly, and with our whole hearts-He discovers to us also, that no form of godliness, no change of sentiment, no moving of the affections, no partial reformation of the life, will suffice; but that, if we will serve the Lord in truth, we must give up ourselves wholly to him and without reservek ---Particularly he makes us to see "the hatefulness" of the most refined hypocrisy, and even of the remains of sin, which, in spite of our most earnest endeavours to destroy it, yet war in our members---1

2. Others will have their misapprehensions removed in condemnation

[Too many, alas! hold fast their delusions in spite of God's word, and all the merciful or afflictive dispensations of his providence. But, as soon as ever they come into the eternal world, they will be undeceived. The sight of a holy God, together with the hearing of that sentence which their once compassionate, but now indignant, Judge will pass upon them, and, above all, the feeling of the torments of hell, will convince them of their mistakes, and leave them no room to doubt, but that the care of the soul was "the one thing needful," and that every word of God shall be fulfilled in its season →→→→→

Such notions are common, Matt. xiii. 20. but awfully delusive, Heb. vi. 4-6. 2 Pet. ii. 20, 21.

This is the thought of many, Isaiah lviii. 2. 3. Ezek. xxxiii. 31, 32. Ps. lxxviii. 34, 35. But nothing less than an uniform and unreserved obedience to God will prove us to be God's children, 1 John iii. 7. Mark ix. 43-48.

Acts ii. 37. and xvi. 30.

* Pg. xviii. 23. and Heb. xii.

Ps. Ixvi. 18. James i. 26. Job xlii. 6. Rom. vii. 21-24.

ADVICE

1. Confer not with flesh and blood in the concerns of religion

[All unregenerate men endeavour to bring down the word of God to some standard of their own; and consequently will discourage in us every thing that goes beyond the line which they have drawn for themselves. But, if they deceive us, they cannot afford us any remedy in the eternal world. The word of God is the only standard of right and wrong; and by that we shall be judged in the last day. Let us therefore regulate our sentiments and conduct, not according to the opinions of fallible men, but according to the unerring declarations of God himself. And instead of endeavouring to lower the demands of God to our wishes or attainments, let us labour to raise our practice to the strictest requisitions of God's law."]

2. Pray for the teaching of God's Spirit

"a

[With deceitful hearts, a subtle adversary, and a tempting world, we are continually in danger: nor can we hope to be guided aright but by the Spirit of the living God. Even the scriptures themselves will be "a dead letter," and " sealed book" to us, unless the Spirit of God open our understandings to understand them. He has promised to lead us into all truth; and, if we be really disposed to embrace the truth, he will discover it to us. But if, through our hatred of the light, we shut our eyes against it, God will give us over to our delusions, that we may believe a lie." Let us therefore guard against self-deception, and submit ourselves to the guidance of God's Spirit. Then, though our capacities be ever so small, we shall be kept from every fundamental error,o and be "made wise unto salvation through faith in Christ."] 3. Seek above all to know the hatefulness of sin

[Nothing but a discovery of the evil of sin will effectually preserve us from self-deceit. To produce this, is the first saving work of the Spirit: and the more this is wrought in the heart, the more shall we be on our guard against all selfflattering delusions.]

m Phil. iii. 13, 14.

n John iii. 19. 2 Thess. ii. 10-12. ́ ́

• Isaiah xxxy. 8. and Matt. xi. 25.

[and Is. Ixvi. 3, 4.