MEN, even good men, often err under the idea of boldness and faithfulness; and mistake the fire of their own spirit for the fire from heaven that came down upon the altar. I have had this spirit myself, and know from experience that there is no dew nor unction of the Spirit attending it. This carnal fire dries up all such heavenly dew. And I know from experience that a tender conscience cannot go into the sanctuary of the Lord’s presence with this unholy fire burning in the heart or carried in the hands. It is far better to be censured unjustly ourselves than to pass harsh and unfounded judgments on others; and it is, I believe, a part of a Christian’s cross, and one branch of his inward suffering with and conformity to Christ, to be misunderstood and misrepresented.—J. C. Philpot.