Isaiah 58:2 Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God… I. WHY MEN GO SO FAR. 1. It is a sentiment of moral uneasiness which makes the formalist of every grade and character. 2. But in estimating the causes which induce men to go certain lengths in a religious life, we should not entirely omit the expectation of a considerable degree of credit in the world; a secret pride at being numbered among the people of God — an indefinite notion of outward prosperity as usually following on a bold religious profession. II. WHY IT IS THAT THEY WILL NOT GO FURTHER, For this I shall assign two reasons. 1. Defective knowledge — an imperfect acquaintance with the way of salvation. Men know not the end of Christ's work, they know not the jealousy with which He regards any interference with that work. 2. Defective obedience — they stop short of some form of Gospel requirement with which they should comply. III. APPLY SOME TESTS OF SPIRITUAL SINCERITY. ( M. Henry.) Parallel Verses KJV: Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. |
    |