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 to a more remote source than the mere love of riches. “The carnal mind is enmity against God; it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Men are alienated from the life bf God, through the ignorance that is in them, and because of the blindness of their hearts.” This is the real cause of their opposition to the truth, their rejection of the gospel, and inattention to their eternal interests. They have sin, and therefore they love the world which presents occasions, and affords the means of indulgence. The gospel is a doctrine according to godliness, therefore they reject it; the way to eternal life is the way of holiness, therefore they will not walk in it; the end is perfect purity, freedom from sin, and the enjoyment of the blissful presence of Him who is holy; but such a state has no charms for them, I and they desire it not. Instead of desiring to know, and to enjoy the presence of God, their language is, “Depart from us, we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.”

“But these,” you will say, “are the wicked.” Yes; but who are they who are not wicked? You are thinking, perhaps, of decent respectable people, who pay their debts, who wrong no man, and who are even useful members of society. There are such people in the world, and God forbid that I should say there is no difference between them and those who are openly wicked, according to the common acceptation of the word. In reference to all the concerns of the present life, there is a very great difference which is perceived, and readily acknowledged, by all. But if these respectable persons are trusting in themselves that they are righteous, and rejecting the gospel of Christ; if their hearts are solely occupied about