observe, that, in speaking of the good traits in the character of a bad man, all that we mean is, that they are good in their effects; not that they are positively good in their nature and regarded so in the sight of God. No action of an accountable being can be intrinsically good, good in the sight of our Maker, that does not proceed from a proper motive, a due sense of our obligations to Him. The high and holy principle that should govern us in our actions is thus stated by the great apostle to the Gentiles:—"Whether, therefore, ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."[1] The same apostle, showing how indispensable it is that we should have a constant regard to this holy principle, also says:—"Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing."[2] The 13th Article
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ser. iv.]
and forgiveness.
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