SERMON XXIV.
EVIDENCE OF THE LAW OF GOD.
"And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?" — John viii. 46.
Jesus Christ had hitherto confuted the incredulity of the Jews by his works and by his miracles; at present he recalls them to the judgment of their own conscience and to the evidence of the truth, which, in spite of themselves, rendered testimony to his doctrine and to his ministry. Nevertheless, as they shut their eyes against the evidence of his miracles, in accusing him of operating them through the ministry of devils, so they likewise harden themselves against the evidence of his doctrine and of his mission, so clearly foretold in the Scriptures, by alleging pretended obscurities, which rendered them in their eyes, still doubtful and suspicious.
For, my brethren, however evident may be the truth, that is to say, the law of God, whether in our heart, where it is written in shining and ineffaceable characters, or in the rules which Jesus Christ hath left to us; we would always, either that our conscience see nothing in it but what our passions see, or that these rules be not so explicit but what we may always be able to find out some favourable interpretation and modification of them.
In effect, two pretexts are commonly opposed by the sinners of the world against the evidence of truths the most terrible of the law of God.
First. In order to calm themselves on a thousand abuses, authorized by the world, they tell us that they believe themselves to be in safety in that state; that their conscience reproaches them with nothing on that head; and that, could they be persuaded that they were in the path of error, they would instantly quit it. First pretext which is opposed to the evidence of the law of God: candour and tranquillity of conscience.
Secondly. They oppose that the gospel is not so clear and so explicit on certain points as we maintain it to be; that each interprets it in his own way, and makes it to say whatever he wishes; that what appears so positive to us, appears not so to all the world. Second pretext: the obscurity and uncertainty of the rules.
Now, I say that the law of God hath a two-fold mark of evidence, which shall overthrow these two pretexts, and shall condemn, at the day of judgment, all the vain excuses of sinners.
First. It is evident in the conscience of the sinner: first reflection. Secondly, it is evident in the simplicity of the rules: second reflection. — The evidence of the law of God in the conscience of men: first character of the law of God, which shall judge the false security and pretended candour of worldly souls. The evidence of the law of God in the simplicity of its rules: second character of
