Here, you observe, we have a remarkable declaration from the mouth of an Apostle, that a people, however talented and learned, were still wrapt in the mantle of darkness, with regard to their real good and happiness; with regard to their religious and moral condition. Whatever nature had done for them, to whatever eminence they had been raised by art or industry, they were left far short of the object which it concerned them most to attain—an acquaintance with God, a knowledge and practice of His law; a peace with Him and with their own consciences. So far were they from this, that their characters were stained with the most debasing vices; their secret sins were too abominable even to be mentioned.
Thus we see how little the instructions and advantages of this world have to do with reforming the conduct, or amending the depraved heart of man. And what was true in this instance, is true in all; there is no teaching, there are no rules of prudence, no maxims however wise, no manners however polished, that can cleanse the heart of its natural unrighteousness, and curb its natural propensity to evil: give what you may, educate as you may, man, if left to his own wisdom and strength, will remain what he is by fallen nature, a weak, a wayward, and a wicked being; an enemy to holiness and to God. There may be a shew of wisdom “falsely so called;” there may be a refined conversation and a polished outside; but there will always be uncleanness remaining within. The evil principles may wear a dazzling veil, and the vices may be clothed in fashionable garments, but they will be evil principles and vices still.
There is but one means by which the darkness of nature can be scattered, and that is by the light of God’s truth; but one means by which the evil spirit of the natural man can be cast out, and that is by the Spirit of God. The blessed Jesus came into the world to reclaim and redeem it from the grossness in which it was sunk; to open a new scene of things; to impart a new life; to banish the thick cloud of error and of sin, in which the world hopelessly and irrecoverably lay; and to raise it to the knowledge and service, the favour and blessing of an offended God. This is the description of the happy effects which the gospel is intended and fitted to produce; “the people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.” { 4} All, without the gospel, are in this miserable condition, whatever they may think of themselves: all who sincerely embrace it, are enlightened and happy, however poor and humble, and of whatever else they may be ignorant.