Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and to every good work reprobate. In true kindness of heart, sweetness of temper, open-handed generosity, the common charities of life, many mere men of the world lose nothing by comparison with such professors; and how are you to keep the world from saying, "Ah! your man of religion is no better than others; nay, he is sometimes worse!" With what frightful prominence does this stand out in the answer — never-to-be-forgotten answer — of an Indian chief to the missionary who urged him to become a Christian. The plumed and painted savage drew himself up in the consciousness of superior rectitude; and with indignation quivering on his lip and flashing in his eagle eye, he replied, "Christian lie! Christian cheat! Christian steal! — drink! — murder! Christian has robbed me of my lands, and slain my tribe!" adding, as he turned haughtily away, "The devil, Christian! I will be no Christian." Many such reflections teach us to be careful how we make a religious profession! And having made the profession, cost what it may, by the grace of God let us live up to it; and act it out. It is better not to vow, than, having vowed, not to pay. (T. Guthrie, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. |
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