Inward defects
But besides these outward omissions, may they not find in themselves inward defects without number? Defects of every kind. They have not the love, the fear, the confidence they ought to have toward God. They have not the love which is due to their neighbor, to every child of man. No, nor even the love which is due to their brothers, to every child of God, whether those who are far from them, or those to whom they are immediately joined. They have no holy temper in the degree they ought. They are defective in everything. Deeply conscious of this, they are ready to cry out with Mr. De Renty, I am a ground all overrun with thorns. Or with Job, I am vile. I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.
1771 text
15. But besides these outward omissions, may they not find in themselves, inward defects without number? Defects of every kind: they have not the love, the fear, the confidence they ought to have toward God. They have not the love which is due to their neighbour, to every child of man: no, nor even that which is due to their brethren, to every child of God; whether those that are at a distance from them, or those with whom they are immediately connected. They have no holy temper in the degree they ought: they are defective in every thing: in a deep consciousness of which they are ready to cry out with Mr. de Renty, “I am a ground all overrun with thorns:” or with Job, I am vile: I abhor myself, and repent as in dust and ashes.