The Evangelist., J. Lyth Galatians 1:23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preaches the faith which once he destroyed. There are some sins which, even if forgiven by others, cannot easily be pardoned by the penitent mind. Dr. Bates tells us that the excellent Richard Baxter cherished such self-condemnation on account of his own sinfulness, that he was in the habit of saying, "I can more easily believe that God will forgive me, than that I can forgive myself." Sin promises much in the outset, but dreadfully disappoints in the issue. "What fruit had ye in those things whereof ye are now ashamed?" On the other hand, it becomes an irrefragable argument in favour of an early de. votedness to the religious life, that whilst it bestows infinite blessings hereafter, it saves from incalculable misery here; and is at once favourable to a grateful retrospect of the past, and a happy anticipation of the future. (The Evangelist.)Observe — I. A man's character goes before him. II. Greatly influences the reception he meets with. III. Should be diligently taken care of. (J. Lyth.) Parallel Verses KJV: But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. |
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