---

I. THE ENMITY OF THE WICKED TO THE TRUTH. This enmity appears —

1. In their opposition and resistance to it.

2. Their persecution of it (John 8:40).

II. THE CAUSES AND REASONS OF THIS ENMITY.

1. They are afraid the evil of their actions should be discovered to themselves, because that creates guilt and trouble.

(1) It robs them of that good opinion which they had of themselves before. Truth flatters no man; no wonder, therefore, that so many are offended at it.

(2) Truth carries great evidence along with it, and is very convincing, and gives a good deal of disturbance.

2. Bad men are enemies to the truth because it discovers the evil of their actions to others, which causeth shame.

III. INFERENCES.

1. We learn the true reason why men are so apt to reject the principles of natural and revealed religion; they are loath to be under the restraint of them.

2. This is a great vindication of our religion that it can bear the light, and is ready to submit to any impartial examination.

3. This is the reason why some are so careful to suppress the truth and to lock it up from the people in an unknown tongue, because their doctrines, dogmas, and deeds are evil.

(Abp. Tillotson.)

---

---

KJV: For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

WEB: For everyone who does evil hates the light, and doesn't come to the light, lest his works would be exposed.