Unjust Balances

“/;2 a j)air of scales y thoicgh the weights be equal, yet if the scales be not equal there may be wrong done: so, though the arguments used be poiuerful, yet, if the heart be biassed by unhallowed affections, the scale will not be turned according to truth and righteousness.” Many instances of this false weighing may be quoted. Eternal realities appear to be mere trifles when the heart is hot after some engrossing pleasure. The most fallacious estimates are made under the influence of corrupt desires. Like a judge that has been bribed, the understanding gives a false verdict. In one scale lies eternity with endless joy or bliss, and in the other lies a passing gain of gold or honour. The comparison needs no studying, it is as a ton to an ounce, and yet the balances are so false that the ounce is declared to have greater weight than the ton. God hateth unjust balances, and we may wisely do the same when we see how souls are ruined by the insane trickery with which a man cheats himself out of his own soul.

O Lord of truth, teach my conscience the law of truth, for Jesus’ sake. Hold my hand while I hold the scales, and let me weigh all things in the balances of the sanctuary.