Ver. 16. They had no faith. They looked to human helpers. It is the
tendency of man. And thus the gospel is set aside. 1. By
_negligence._ Because of prevailing unbelief spiritual blessings are
undervalued. Sin is loved. There is little moral earnestness.
Acceptance of the Gospel is postponed as if it were some disagreeable
duty. 2. By _contempt._ The horses on which they said they would ride
point to Egypt as their strength. It was contempt of God's help. Thus
their fathers had turned to the golden calf. Thus some turn to money,
some to earthly pleasures, some to the Church, some to the priest for
salvation. Anywhere rather than to the Saviour Himself. 3. By
_self-confidence._ Ceremonies of religion are performed; prayers
offered; obedience rendered; alms given with a view to propitiate the
Divine favour and obtain salvation as a debt. It rejects the truth of
the Bible. It proceeds from ungodliness, pride, and unbelief.