again if we give them welcome. If we cherish base and evil
thoughts, they will soon fill the treasure house of the heart. If ,
on the other hand, we cherish lofty thoughts, if we act from noble
motives, these will fill our hearts and determine the issues of our
lives.
It is necessary for us to be on our guard against that sophistry
which the heart too often practices upon itself. It is easy to fall
into the habit of inventing fair names for foul motives, fair reason,
for foul projects. At first, we stand back, terrified at the hid
eousness of our sins ; but by assigning fair names and reason to
our evil actions, we at last become unable to judge the moral
quality of our conduct. We thus deceive ourselves. At first we
are unwilling to look into our hearts, and at last we become
unable to see their real blackness.
In conclusion, Dr. Schaeffer emphasized the importance and
the duty of keeping the heart pure and whole ; and to this end he
urged upon his hearers the great value and need of devotion and
of the religious life.
DR. SCHAICPPER'S SERMON