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I. GOD HAS A PEOPLE ON EARTH.

1. His creation.

2. Called by Him from darkness to light.

3. Privileged, pardoned, regenerated, adopted.

II. IN THE CHURCH THERE IS AN UNHAPPY ADMIXTURE OF WICKED MEN. This applies to —

1. Those religious establishments whose constitution and discipline offer no restraints to the admission of such characters.

2. Mere hearers of the Gospel.

3. Those who have entered the Church without real conversion.

(1)  Some professors are secretly wicked.

(2)  Some professors are deceivers.

4. Those wilfully inactive in the Church.

5. Those who interrupt the peace and harmony of the Church.

III. THIS MIXTURE OF THE WICKED WITH THE GODLY IS A FACT. "Are found" — by whom?

1. Frequently by themselves (1 John 2:19).

2. Persecution has, and so has temptation.

3. By Christians, to whom their unholy course is a grief.

4. By God (Revelation 3:18, 23). Odious to Him.

5. Some will not be found till the day of judgment (Matthew 3:12; Matthew 13:28-30).

IV. THE INJURIOUS INFLUENCE OF THE CONDUCT OF SUCH PROFESSORS.

1. They bring reproach upon religion (Romans 2:24).

2. The hearts of the godly are grieved and their hands weakened (Joshua 7:12, 25; 1 John 2:7; Philippians 3:18).

3. The Church is in danger of being injured by them (Hosea 5:3).

4. It frequently prevents accessions to the Church.

5. The guilt of such persons is highly aggravated, and their punishment will be awful.

(Helps for the Pulpit.)

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KJV: For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men.

WEB: For among my people are found wicked men. They watch, as fowlers lie in wait. They set a trap. They catch men.