selfish end, as policy and the like, and thus are not inwardly good, but evil; for not the act, but the motive, is the test. Or, at best,—as is the case with some benevolently disposed persons,—they come from "good nature," a kind of natural amiability of character; but such natural amiability is only on the surface of the heart, and often covers deep fires of pride, hate, and revenge—which occasionally break out, showing that the heart is inwardly not good nor heavenly. This we may observe every day. Such goodness is not to be trusted: it is but the green crust over the volcano. There is no such thing as deep, interior, and solid goodness of heart, but such as is attained by regeneration; and there is no possibility of regeneration, without believing in and looking to the great Regenerator and Saviour of the world.
Thus, a sincere faith is the only basis of a genuinely good life: a humble acknowledgment is the first movement towards opening the door of the heart, to admit the Divine Saviour, as He stands "knocking." But that He may really enter and take up His abode in the heart, there must be added obedience to His commandments; for we read, "Jesus answered and said unto him. If a man love Me, he will keep My words; and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him."[1] Now, why is this condition necessary? The answer to this will show why the commandments are expressed, as before observed, chiefly in the negative form—"thou shalt not." It is because man's heart, by nature, is filled with evil inclinations and passions. This, Revelation declares, and all experience shows it to be most true. The
