v. 20. _Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil._
The conscience of every man testifies that there is an unchangeable
difference between good and evil; but each man is prone to think his
own vice little or no sin at all. He substitutes other names for his
crime, and calls his evil good. +I. Many are self-deceived+ (Prov.
xiv. 12). How many think themselves religious, merely because they
pay some or much respect to the outward ordinances of religion, while
there is no change in their character. How many justify their
irreligion, by depicting religion as morose and gloomy. How many
commit crimes without one misgiving of conscience, merely because
they are varnished over by specious names. How often under the
pretence of promoting the honour of true religion, massacres and
murders have been sanctified, the torch of persecution brandished
round, and the flame of civil discord raised, to light the path to
heaven! +II. Many endeavour to deceive others,+ by false
representations of sin and duty (Luke xvii. 1, 2).--_George Mathew,
M.A., Sermons,_ ii. 101-118.