in such a state of things, is spiritual pride. This is the main door by
great degrees of the Spirit of God. There were some such people in the apostles' days. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, was sensible that some of them would not be easily convinced that they had been in any error, because they looked at themselves as spiritual, or full of the Spirit of God. 1Cor 14.37-38: "If any man thinks himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write to you, are the commandment of the Lord. But if any man is ignorant, let him be ignorant."
Although those who are spiritual among us, have no infallible apostle to admonish them, let me entreat them by the love of Christ, to calmly and impartially weigh what may be said to them by someone who is their hearty and fervent friend (although an inferior worm). Let him give his humble opinion concerning the errors that have been committed, or that we may be exposed to, in the methods or practices that have been or may be fallen into by the zealous friends or promoters of this great work of God.
In speaking of the errors that have occurred, or that we are in danger of, I would,
First, take notice of the causes from which the errors that attend a great revival of religion usually arise. And as I go along, take notice of some particular errors that arise from each of those causes.
Secondly, observe some errors that some have lately fallen into, that have been owing to the influence of several of those causes conjunctly.
First. As to the first of these, the errors that attend a great revival of religion, usually arise from these three things:
1. Undiscerned spiritual pride. 2. Wrong principles. 3. Ignorance of Satan's advantages and devices.
1. Spiritual Pride. The first and worst cause of errors that prevail in such a state of things, is spiritual pride. This is the main door by which the devil comes into the hearts of those who are zealous for the advancement of religion. It is the chief inlet of smoke from the