Amos 2:4-5 Thus said the LORD; For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof… In all civilised communities there are many usages of society with which it is convenient and proper to comply, so far as they involve no compromise of principle. The mainspring of all men's conduct is selfishness. Selfishness may develop itself in many forms which appear to be interesting and amiable: it is the foundation of some of our most beautiful natural instincts; and these instincts are not unfrequently mistaken for virtues. In society certain false principles are recognised — lies which cause men to err. I. WEALTH IS THE CHIEF GOOD. This is a main article in the creed of society as a whole, in every country in the world. The advantages of wealth are, in a temporal point of view, very great. Wealth is power. It secures for its possessor every gratification that can minister to the appetites, the senses, and the taste. II. IT IS POSSIBLE TO SERVE GOD AND MAMMON. Religion, instead of being the chief business of life, is used simply as a means of quieting the conscience and establishing a good name. The heart is set on the world exclusively; yet hopes are entertained of inheriting the kingdom of heaven. III. A MAN'S POSSESSIONS ARE HIS OWN; HE MAY DO WITH THEM WHAT HE LIKES. They are not his own. They are only lent him as a steward for God. But the idea of acting as a steward for God would be denounced by people in general as fanatical. IV. HUMAN NATURE IS NOT SO DEPRAVED AS THEOLOGIANS WOULD HAVE US BELIEVE. Instincts are taken for virtues, and are referred to as proofs that the language of Scripture has been overstrained. V. ZEAL IN THE CAUSE OF CHRIST IS FANATICISM. Few would use these words, but multitudes entertain the idea which they express. Lukewarmness is commended as prudence, and while zeal is not tolerated, indifference is overlooked or excused. VI. IF A MAN LIVES A GOOD LIFE, IT MATTERS NOT WHAT HIS OPINIONS MAY BE. But no human being lives a good life, unless the love of God is his governing motive. VII. FORGIVENESS OF INJURIES IS WEAK AND UNMANLY. This is directly opposed to the teaching and example of Christ. VII. THE FORBEARANCE OF GOD CAN NEVER BE EXHAUSTED. Men talk of God's mercy who forget that they are taught to believe in His holiness. By presuming upon God's mercy men may lose their souls. IX. RELIGION IS NOT A PROPER SUBJECT FOR ORDINARY CONVERSATION. Satan closes our lips on the greatest of all topics, and thus isolates us from one another, lest social intercourse should promote the success of the Gospel. X. WE OUGHT TO PRAY, BUT WE NEED NOT WAIT ON GOD FOR AN ANSWER. This betokens the absence of a real belief in the efficacy of prayer. He encourages us to expect an answer, as often as we offer our petitions. These are ten of the most prevalent errors about religion which are countenanced and cherished by society. Let us take care that it is not true of us — "Their lies cause them to err, after the which their fathers have walked." (James Mackay, B. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have despised the law of the LORD, and have not kept his commandments, and their lies caused them to err, after the which their fathers have walked: |
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