That All the Ways and Works of Wickedness
A. Burgess. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 Now if any man build on this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;… I. We shall show WHAT KIND OF HIDDEN WICKEDNESS SHALL BE MADE MANIFEST. First, all the secret and hidden thoughts, affections, and purposes of the heart, God will one day make manifest to the whole world. That as there are a world of flies and motes in the air which we never see till the sunbeams arise, so there are thousands of proud, unclean, covetous, and malicious thoughts and purposes lodging in men's hearts which the world never knows, but God will one day have heaven and earth take notice of them. Oh, then, what a curb should this be to thy heart, to thy thoughts! Secondly, all the impure and unclean works of the flesh committed in secret, these also shall be made manifest. Thirdly, the hidden works of thieving and stealing and unjustly taking away of other men's goods will one day be manifest. Fourthly, there is a hidden work of unrighteousness which is not plain stealing, but it is crafty and artificial cosening in thy trading and commerce with others. Fifthly, carnal and worldly policy to have earthly greatness and power and honour in the world: this is a very deep and secret work, but God will manifest it. Sixthly, dissimulations and inconstancies in matter of religion. II. In the next place, CONSIDER THE AGGRAVATION OF THOSE SINS THAT ARE SECRET AND HIDDEN. 1. It argueth a man hath more consciousness to himself that he doth not well, therefore he would not have the world know. 2. This secret sinning puts far more respect and fear upon men than God. 3. The more secret any wickedness is, it argueth the heart is more studious and industrious about it, how to contrive it, how to bring it about. Take heed of secret hidden sins, God will one day manifest what thou hast been. (A. Burgess.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; WEB: But if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or stubble;