Insincerity in Religion
W. B. Mackenzie, B. A. Isaiah 43:22 But you have not called on me, O Jacob; but you have been weary of me, O Israel.… It is a common observation that there is very little sincerity in the world. We are now concerned with insincerity of a deeper and more serious character, — insincerity in religion. I propose to offer some remarks which may serve to detect a mere formal profession of religion. The subject on which I shall chiefly remark is the habit and enjoyment of secret prayer. I. MANY HAVE CONTINUED FOR A WHILE IN HABITS OF SECRET PRAYER, AND YET ARE ONLY FORMAL PROFESSORS. II. MERE FORMAL PROFESSORS AFTER AWHILE LEAVE OFF PRAYER IN A GREAT DEGREE. III. It is evident that these formal worshippers are utterly deceived in thinking they are converted: THIS WEARINESS IN PRAYER SHOWS THE CHANGE WAS NOT REAL. How are we to distinguish the feelings of a mere formalist from the presence of God's renovating Spirit? 1. They have not the spirit of prayer. Theirs is not prayer suggested, inspired by God's Holy Spirit. 2. Mere professors, being deficient in secret prayer, soon fall back again into their former sins and worldliness. 3. It is utterly impossible for you to be saved so long as you live in neglect of prayer. (1) To neglect prayer is utterly inconsistent with the love of God, which is the element of true religion. (2) Contrary to the fear of God. This is expressed by the opponents of Job. "Yea, thou castest off fear, and restrainest prayer before God."(3) Utterly at variance with that holiness without which no man shall see God. (4) Allowed negligence of prayer cannot be reconciled with the hope of dwelling with God for ever.We offer four motives for holy perseverance in prayer. 1. It is wholly necessary for your salvation. "If any man draw back, My soul hath no pleasure in him." 2. Take heed to yourselves, and be exceedingly watchful, that you may persevere in this duty, and maintain the spirit of vigorous piety. Let us never seek to shelter ourselves under mere doctrines, such as, true saints shall persevere. 3. To urge you to perseverance in the duty of secret prayer, think how much you need the help of the Spirit of God. 4. The fourth motive for perseverance in fervent prayer is, the great advantages that result from it. (W. B. Mackenzie, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel. WEB: Yet you have not called on me, Jacob; but you have been weary of me, Israel.