The laws, and their
violation, and the punishments everywhere invented for the suppression
of vice, prove the universality of the evil. The bloody sacrifices,
and various purifications, of the pagans, show the handwriting of
remorse upon their consciences; proclaim their sense of guilt, and
their dread of punishment. None of them are free from the fear which
hath torment, whatever their efforts to overcome it, and however great
their boldness in the service of sin and Satan. "Menel Tekel!" is
written on every human heart. "Wanting! wanting!" is inscribed on
heathen fanes and altars; on the laws, customs, and institutions of
every nation; and on the universal consciousness of mankind.
This inward corruption manifests itself in outward actions. "The tree
is known by its fruit." As the smoke and sparks of the chimney show
that there is fire within; so all the "filthy conversation" of men,
and all "the unfruitful works of darkness" in which they delight,
evidently indicate the pollution of the source whence they proceed.
"Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." The sinner's
speech betrayeth him. "Evil speaking" proceeds from malice and envy.
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