Charity and integrity of life the pure essentials of Christian religion: or meditations on James I. 27. By T.G. M.A Gregory, Thomas, 1668 or 9-1706. 1696 Approx. 38 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 16 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2009-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A42084 Wing G1931 ESTC R215986 99827741 99827741 32164 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A42084) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 32164) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1848:37) Charity and integrity of life the pure essentials of Christian religion: or meditations on James I. 27. By T.G. M.A Gregory, Thomas, 1668 or 9-1706. [4], 27, [1] p. printed by J. Bradford, for the author, London : 1696. T.G. = Thomas Gregory. Reproduction of the original in the Lambeth Palace Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Bible. -- N.T. -- James I, 27 -- Commentaries -- Early works to 1800. Charity -- Early works to 1800. Christian life -- Early works to 1800. 2007-11 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2008-02 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2008-07 Olivia Bottum Sampled and proofread 2008-07 Olivia Bottum Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-09 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion CHARITY AND Integrity of Life THE Pure ESSENTIALS OF Christian Religion : OR MEDITATIONS On James 1.27 . By T. G. M. A. But to do Good , and Communicate , forget not ; for with such Sacrifices God is well pleased , Heb 13.16 . LONDON , Printed by J. Bradford , for the Author , 1696. To the Most Reverend Father in God , THOMAS , by Divine Providence , Archbishop of CANTERBVRY . REligion being of that great Excellency as to teach us the Love of God , and our Neighbour , how to Reverence him , and how to be tender-hearted to our Brethren , so as we may best enjoy our selves , and benefit others , I hope you will be pleased not to refuse this ensuing Discourse a just title to your Patronage . 'T is true , they who go back from these Duties of Exemplary Piety and Charity , neither regard what Rules they have prescribed , nor what Practice they have directed , nor do they regard any thing that carries the face of Love and true Munificence , and are only valiant in breaking those Laws , which Heaven hath made Eternal , such a sort of Men have commonly great Judgments denounced against them . They are depriv'd of the Divine Protection here while they live , and after their Death no Man lamenteth . But on the contrary , many Blessings and Rewards are Entail'd upon Pious and Liberal , the Favour of God in pardoning our Sins , a promised Security from Incumbent Evils , a bountiful Support under Afflictions , and at length a certain Reception into Eternal Glory . Cornelius was heard for his Devout Life and Alms-giving . But that I may not be too prolix , if you discern any Imperfections in the Copy , let not these Celestial Graces , for my sake , fall under any Imputation , that need no such Advocate as I am , or such a common Pen , but one from an Angel's Wing to advance their Esteem . There 's a Beauty in Holiness beyond that of State , and a Glory in Humility above the proud Inscription of Monarchs ; both these wait upon Charity and Integrity of Life , and are the only Ornaments of our Christian Profession . But here that Disrespect you have to the Disregarders of these Duties , puts a stop to my Pen , forbidding me to be too curious in the description of these Graces , which are so eminently visible in your Life and Conversation . So that hoping your Candour and Good Temper will give a favourable Reception , to what I have Offered , I humbly take my leave to Subscribe my self Your GRACE's Most Obedient and Faithful Servant , T. GREGORY . JAMES 1.27 . Pure and Vndefiled Religion before God and the Father , is this , to visit the Fatherless and the Widow in their Afflictions , and to keep himself Vnspotted from the World. WHoever he be that looks into his Bible , with a sincere design , of receiving any benefit unto himself by so doing ; ought in all reason , to avoid all foolish and unprofitable Disputations , things that gender Strife : and in good earnest apply himself to the Practice of his Duty , to obey when God calls for his Obedience ; for the Scripture was not written to beget Pride and Disputes , but Charity and Humility in the Minds of Men. The Gospel was design'd , not only to Exercise the Understanding , but also to influence the Will , and entirely to engage the Affections in Heavenly Matters , in a practical System , wherein we are told that our very Thoughts are to be subject to the Obedience of its Author . And if we heartily believe and consider , that nothing else but Unfeigned Purity can recommend us unto God , if we take it for granted , that without Holiness no man shall see him : We have little reason to admire our Saviour calls his People little Flock , and that but few enter in at the streight Gate ; for if so be Religion is to Overcome the World , to be Heavenly minded , or in few words , to be like God , what will become of the greater part of Mankind , who are so much unlike him ? What man is instructed for the Kingdom of God ? Who then can be saved ? Shall we rise again to the Resurrection of the Just ? Lord thou knowest ! If so be Religion be pure and undefiled , and admits not of the least vicious Immorallity , 't is to be feared that many men continue very wicked , while they go under the sacred Names of Christians . For How is the faithful City become an Harlot , it was full of Judgment , Righteousness lodged in it , but now Murder . Thy Silver is become dross , and thy Wine mixt with Water . Thy Princes are Rebellious and Companions of Thieves ; every one loveth gifts and followeth after rewards , judge not the Fatherless , neither doth the cause of the Widow come before them , Isa . 1.21 , 22. What then shall we say ? shall we condemn the Religion of the blessed Jesus , because Iniquity does so much abound ? God forbid ; his Religion is like himself , without spot or wrinkle , 't is holy , just and good , but men corrupt it to their own destruction . If you cast an Eye back upon the 13th Verse of this Chapter , St James will tell you , that no man must say that he is tempted of God , that is , let no man charge God with his Sins ; if men engage in any wickedness , be it to themselves , for God cannot be tempted , neither tempteth he any one ; but every man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own Lust and enticed . We may therefore spare our selves the trouble of searching out the Causes of our Miseries , the Plague is in our own Heart . The lust of our mind when it hath conceived , bringeth forth sin ; and sin when it is finished bringeth forth death . This Text is very full and comprehensive , denoting the whole of the Christian Doctrine in very few words , and also of admirable weight to fortifie the Christians against the Errors and Heresies of those times , particularly to oppose the prevailing Sect of the Gnostick Heresie , which our Apostle here refers to , and which for Sensuality and open Wickedness was the greatest Deformities that ever clouded the beauty of the Church : For this Sect were a People that did allow their Converts a greater liberty in their Lifes , than Christians did admit . The Apostles preacht up a good Life as necessary to Salvation , but these on the contraty did assert , that a man might be a Christian , and at the same time use the utmost freedom with the greatest Epicure : Upon this score they gain'd ground in those early times , they found the People very tractable and easie to be wheedl'd to such a licentious Creed , when they did affirm that a man may love the World more then God , it was no hard matter in those times to gain Proselites ; such pallatable pleasing Drines were swallowed without much Consideration . But the Apostles of our Lord , who had conversed with their Master , and had the greatest reason to know his Sense of things , are clearly of another mind , which all have with St James in Opposition to these Libertines , acquainted us , that Religion which must render every man acceptable to God , is pure and undefiled , and consists in visiting the Fatherless and Widow in their Afflictions , and to keep himself unspotted from the World. The words will oblige me to do these twothings . 1 st , In general to shew that Religion which we must ever hope to please God with , is pure and Spiritual , without mixture of Hypocrisie or Sensuallity . 2 dly . That Charity to the Needy and Purity of Life are the Essential parts of this Religion , which are explicitly delivered in the Text : The former in these words , visiting the Fatherless and Widow : The latter in these , keeping himself unspotted from the World. First , I am to shew in general that the Religion whereby we must ever hope to please God , is of untainted Purity , without any mixture of Hypocrisie , or Sensuallity . In order to which I hope I may take for granted the Being of a God , which thing being pre-suppos'd as a truth , it is hardly to be conceived , how a man can well satisfie a bruitish and irrational Deity , that will be imposed upon by his Creatures , and worship'd at any rate . How is it possible for a Man to believe that God should approve of Vice , or any wise connive at the practice of it . But admit a Man be so absurd , and so offer Violence to himself , the Scripture is so plain and convincing , proclaiming the divine displeasure against every thing that is Evil , Hypocritical and Unsincere , that he that owns the former , cannot deny the latter , that is in words at length : He that believes the truth of the Scriptures , that God does not equivocate with Mankind , but speaks as he means ; that Man must of necessity confess that nothing can be a pleasing Sacrifice to God , but what is Spiritual and Holy , and by strong consequence that every thing of what stamp soever that is not real and honest , is an abomination in his sight , and is so very plain that he that runs may read it . For how often does the Almighty declare by the Mouth of his Holy Prophets , that no Wickedness shall dwell with him , For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in Wickedness , neither shall Evil dwell with thee , Psal . 5.4 . Whoever hath been acquainted ever so little with the Holy Scripture , cannot but have observed it to be the usual Stile thereof , even under the Jewish Dispensation : Though the outward Worship for some reasons , which I cannot now stand to repeat , was different from that now required at our hands in the Christian Church . God made a solemn declaration against Sacrifices , Isa . 1.12 . When ye come before me , who hath required this at your hands to tread my Courts ? Bring no more vain Oblations , &c. Which was to shew that this was not that which God required of them alone ; for by reason of the Jews obstinacy , the gracious and merciful Lawgiver was pleased to condescend to their Capacities , and to command them the Observance of those things as were most likely to keep them in a tollerable subjection , the primary Institution of those Spiritual Observances , was no otherwise design'd then to gratifie their Pallates ; for even under the Law , Obedience was most suitable , most acceptable to the Divine Nature , and therefore we find that God calls for other things from them , such as these , Wash and be clean ; put away the evil of your doings before mine eyes : Cease to do evil , learn to do well : seek judgment , deliver the oppressed ; judge the Fatherless . These are substantial Duties , such as became the Majesty of a wise God to demand , and an obedient People to perform . And if the divine Wisdom exacted Internal Holiness from the stubborn unmannagable Jew , much more now from us under the Gospel . When our Saviour discoursed the Woman of Samaria , John 4.23 . he was pleased to say that the hour was come , when the true Worshippers should worship the Father in Spirit and Truth : whence it is natural to infer , that the Religion which we ought to pay to our Heavenly Father , is not born of Noise or Art , but a new Nature in forming the Minds of Men , whereby we are taught to know him ; and knowing God , to love him with all our Soul , and with all our Strength , and to conform our selves as much as we can to that Perfection which is eminently in God , the imitation of him in Living well , being the best means of arriving to some likeness , Beholding the Glory of God , we are transformed into the same Image . 'T is true indeed , the Jews did expect the Messiah should have alarm'd the World with Drums and Trumpets , and that he should have marched through the World , as it is reported Victorious Hannibal did sometimes through the Alps , making way where he found none , planting his Gospel by force of Arms ; but judging this way to be more Military than Religious , he publickly declar'd before Pilate the Governour , that his Kingdom was not of this World , Joh. 8.36 . 'T was not such a one as the Jews were afraid of , a Government set up to destroy that of Herod , but a Spiritual Throne to be erected in the Hearts of his chosen People , to influence their Lives , and make them fit Heirs for the Kingdom of Heaven . That Religion which the most meek and innocent Lord planted in the minds of men , obliges its Professors to pass quietly and inoffensively through this World , and by the most safe and prudent , the most pious and excellent Methods , to steer their Course to Happiness , to lay hold on Eternal Life . This engages men heartily to the Obedience of their Superiors , it possesses the mind with Universal Charity , with the most profound Meekness and Humility , it does not gratifie any impotent silly Passion in Man : we are all by Nature inclined more or less to that dreadful act of Revenge ; we are apt for every trifling disgust , to call to the Earth to swallow up our Adversaries , as it did sometimes Korah , Dathan and Abiram . But it is the singular prerogative of the Gospel , to quiet and allay even this troublesome vexing Inclination of Revenge , by teaching us to overcome Evil with Good ▪ Well then , suppose a Man to be Rich and mighty in the World , and to be affronted by a poor Creature . Let him call to mind , that he is a Christian as well as a Rich Man ; and what his greatness as a rich man might justly abhor , his Charity as a Christian might be willing to bear what his power as a great man might tempt to revenge , his Charity as a Christian might teach him to forgive . This is the Condescending Spirit of the Gospel , different from that which by Nature we can have . There is no Wickedness which is not effectually restrained by it , not the least Virtue which receives not a generous encouragement from it . And now does not this Religion sufficiently recommend it self to mankind ? Need it any thing else to court our Affections ? The Heathen were so very sensible of the worth of Religion , that they always stil'd their denfensive War , pro Aris & Focis : They plac'd their Altars before their Hearths , their Churches before their Estates and Houses . And if they so highly valu'd a false foppish Religion , how shall we ever set a just value upon the true , the pure , the undefiled Religion of Christ ? That Religion which we contend for before God , that which spreads it self through all the parts of the Soul , engaging the whole man in a fix'd , steady , and constant course of Righteousness . And now I am come to speak of the parts which are Essential to it , the First of which is Charity to the Needy . Upon which the Holy Scriptures throughout do give a higher preference than any other Duty . Solomon himself , the richest Monarch that ever reigned in Jerusalem , and the wisest of the Eastern Sophies , no less a Prophet then a King , teacheth us , Eccles . 11.4 . Cast thy Bread upon the Waters , and after many days shalt thou find it . Commentators agree ; that these Words of the Preacher , Cast thy Bread upon the Waters , exhort us to the Relief of all such as are distressed . We may find that Bread may be taken for Alms , if we converse with the Hebrews the Original 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; Lehem , which we commonly translate Bread , is taken in the Scripture for all sorts of Provisions ; in that sense you may read in Deut. 8.3 . Lehem signifies the Flesh of Beasts sacrificed . Lev. 3.11 . It is used for the Fruit of Trees , Jer. 11.19 . Lehem is taken for the Fodder of Cattle , Psal . 14.7 . because the Hebrew Language consisting of few words , one Word did bear many Significations . So that this word Lehem amongst the Jews , did import all manner of Subsistence , every thing that Man or Beast us'd to live upon . In which sense it is taken in the Lord's Prayer , and in a larger sense , there implying not only the Necessaries of our Body , but also that Angels food , ( that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Luke 12.13 . ) the Blessed Sacrament , by which our Souls are nourish'd to Eternity . The word Waters also admits of divers Interpretations : Yet without doubt all Objects of Charity are here design'd by it , that is the several parts of Mankind , all such as appear poor , infirm , or any way miserable , all that are destitute of Friends and Comfort , that with dejected Countenances implore your Pity . You shall find it after many days . For encouragement , their are present Remunerations for those that are Charitable ; they shall have their Wishes very much gratify'd in this World , and in the World to come , their Hopes shall expire in a happy Fruition . Thou shalt live many days to do Good with thy Riches , and when thou hast finished thy Course of multiplying good Offices to thy Brethren ; then after many days thou shalt find an Heavenly Treasure , to the Accomplishment of thy felicity . If we come into the New Testament , we shall see it full and replenisht with frequent Exhortations to this Duty , and proportionable Rewards annexed . If you are pleased to read over the Writings of St. Paul , especially his 13th Chapter of his first Epistle to the Corinthians , you will find that the glorious Fabrick of Christianity is founded upon Charity ; 't is not only a single Grace without , but all the Virtues wrapt up in one Word . This does all the Work. It is the Salt wherewith we are seasoned . Without Charity we can neither be good Christians , nor dutiful Subjects : Without this , we do expunge our selves even out of the Catalogue of Christians , & de facto , put our selves into that of Infidels . So true is that of the Eloquent Apostle , If we have all other things in a most ample exquisite manner , and have not Charity , we are as sounding Brass , and a tinkling Cymbal . But it is not my design to speak of Charity in so large a sense , as it condemns all unmerciful censuring of other mens Actions , or as it forbids every pitiful Unchristian Revenge , but as it particularly relates to the Relief of our Brothers Necessities ; and that taken in this sense , is a considerable Branch of our Religion . But some may peradventure think that Rich Men are only concern'd in this Duty , as having wherewithal to exercise their Charity , and consequently that the poorer sort are excluded from having any share in it , being themselves meer Objects of Pity . But did we allow of this foolish way of arguing , we should be forc'd to confess , that our Saviour Christ was the most miserable Person upon Earth , who was so very poor , that he had not where to lay his Head. Past all peradventure , God who is the Author of our Faculties , every Man in some measure may be beneficial to Mankind . Insomuch that Men of all qualities , high and low , rich and poor , are to their power concerned to consult the Necessities of mankind . Many are the Afflictions which are incident to Man in this Life . When the unjust Man enters into the Field of the Fatherless , and removes the Old Land-mark . Here is an opportunity for the States-man to shew himself a Pattern of Good Works , in being like God , who helps those to Right , who suffer Wrong . When the Simple is out of the way , that is an occasion offer'd to the Learned to recover a Soul , which our Saviour died for . Let him restore such a one in the Spirit of Meekness , by Advice and Counsel . Let him endeavour to turn the Hearts of the Disobedient to the Wisdom of the Just . This is to be like him who came to Preach the Gospel , who came not to call the Righteous , but Sinners to Repentance , and went about doing Good. When the Aged and Orphans are in want , then let the Rich Man glory in his Riches , by filling the empty Bowels , and relieving the gaping Necessities of the Poor , and to lay up a good Foundation for the time to come . And now what can the Fatherless and Widow do ? are these poor Creatures capable of being useful in their Generation ? can they make any grateful Compensation or Return to their Benefactors ? Yes , certainly , the meanest Peasant in his Cottage may in some sense oblige the Prince in his Throne , that is by their Prayers , to which the Divine Goodness seemeth to bear an extraordinary regard in Scripture , Psal . 69.33 . The Lord heareth the Prayer of the poor and destitute , and their Cry is not hid from him . And did we thus in our several Stations and Capacities , study and delight to do good , and promote the welfare of our Brethren , how happy should we be ? There would be no leading into Captivity , no just matter of Complaint in our Streets . 'T is our duty to act thus , 1 st . As we are Men. 2 dly . As we are Christians . First , Nature it self hath made such alliance between Man and Man , as are not to be broken upon every trifling disagreement . If there were no other tie than that of common Humanity , it is plain that that will highly oblige us to stand in the Gap , to prevent , if we can , a Brother's ruine . 'T is not below any Man , to stoop to kind and neighbourly Offices . Nam pari sorte nascimur . Virtute distinguimur . Nature hath plac'd all Mankind upon a Level . Though Providence , for some wise and necessary ends , hath distinguish'd our Stations , placing some upon plain , others upon rising Ground : Some in a high , others in a low Condition : Yet we are all plac'd within the reach of God's Power , he that may humble the most proud and lofty . It may be one Day or other our own Case to be in want , and therefore it is an Act of Common Prudence and Policy to Relieve a Brother : And this is not a thing spoken at a venture , but upon sound deliberation , and from the Nature and Circumstances of our state here below . Heb. 13.3 . Remember them that suffer Adversity , as being your selves also in that Body . This is so reasonable a duty , as to neglect it , is to sink below Nature , and to be inconsistent with our selves , as we are Men. And if so , then it will be unnecessary to heap up Scriptures , to prove it our Duty as we are Christians , for from the beginning it was not so , though the Gospel hath much enlarg'd and improved it . Abraham , Lot , Job , these were very eminent Examples of this Duty under the Law , in entertaining the Fatherless into their Houses , and inviting the Poor to their own Tables . But if any pretend that this is of Jewish concernment , and not so much relating to the time of the Gospel , which is not a Law of Works . Our Saviour will reply , That he came not to destroy the Law and the Prophets , but to fulfil ; not to banish Charity out of the World , but to improve it , to enlarge its Empire among the Sons of Men. So that to exercise Charity , is to follow the very Steps of our Saviour , and to obey the dictates of our Supream Master . Of so great worth and truth was this Fundamental Truth in his account , that he seems to assign Men's Portion in the next Life , according to their Charitable Acts in this , Matth. 25.35 . For I was an hungred , &c. The Pharisees , those devout Hypocrites , were seemingly exact , dividing the Hair in Religion ; but our Saviour was pleas'd to give them a more Compendious , as well as a more safe way to be Religious , Luke 11.41 . Give Alms of such things as you have , and behold all things are clean to you . They are efficacious to press and exhort us , as it is possible for Words to be , or Men to conceive . How comes it to pass then ( that considering the frequent Inculcations of the Gospel to this in every page ) Men are generally so Uncharitable . Chiefly from these two Reasons . First , Because Men entertain a false notion of Charity , placing of it purely in bare Wishes and Compassionate Affections . Secondly , Because Men are pleas'd to pass by Charity as no part of Religion . Both are absurd and very prejudicial to the growth of Piety amongst us . Some Men are apt to stile themselves Charitable , when they do no harm , by a meer abstinence from Evil ; but let no Man deceive himself . When we are commanded to love our Brother , 't is not only forbidden us to hate him , but we are commanded to omit no opportunity of expressing our Love by our Actions ; to love in Deed and in Truth . Certainly , you would judge that Man Unchristian , who seeing his Neighbours House on Fire , would not assist and contribute his Endeavours to the quenching of it . It is preposterous for us to hug our selves with the thoughts of being Righteous , when really we are not ; not to relief the Poor , is to oppress him ; not to heal his Sores , in a Scripture dialect , is in effect the same , as to wound and lash him . You know the Parable , Luke 10.30 . He that went down from Jericho , and fell among Thieves , stript of his Garments , and half dead ; the Priest went that way , saw him , and passed by on the other side ; the Levite also came and looked on , and that was all . These men , the Priest and Levite , added nothing to his Miseries , they left the Poor Man as they found him : And were they Charitable ? They were so far from being Charitable , that to my apprehension , they were little better then the Thieves that robb'd him . This I mentioned on purpose to let you see that Religion does not consist in pure Negatives . 'T is not enough to shake our Heads at the Calamities of our Neighbour , and to please our selves that we were not accessary to his Ruine ; we are to behold the good Samaritan , that took Compassion on him , that bound up his Wounds , brought him to his Inn , and took care of him . We are commanded by the great Exemplar of Charity , To go and do likewise . Some are pleas'd to pass by that Duty , counting it an undervaluing of the Blood of Christ , and a beggarly way of going to Heaven . But I think it is very sad , if we can find in our Hearts to part with nothing for his sake , that parted with his Life for ours . Prayers alone cannot attone his Displeasure , though we are not to look upon them as fruitless and unnecessary ; however , I speak this to stir up your minds , by way of Remembrance , that we are not to expect the favour of a holy and wise God , by the meer importunity of our Devotion , without Conscience of Obeying his Commands . These two have a Reciprocal influence upon each other . The Worship of God without Obedience , is vain . So Obedience without Worship is impossible . Tho' we break our Hearts in Prayer , all our most zealous passionate Addresses without Charity and Purity of Desires , will infallibly perish in the Air : So true is that of the Psalmist , If I regard Iniquity in my Heart , God will not hear me . To do good therefore , and communicate , forget not ; for with such Sacrifices God is well pleased . And so I am come to the Second Essential Part of Religion To keep himself Vnspotted from the World , which consists in Purity of Life . This is a precept which seems at first sight to stagger the best Christian ; for considering all the inviting allurements of this world , the Pleasures and the Profits of it . Who among the Sons of Men can believe himself able to renounce all ? Is it possible for Flesh and Blood to forego Houses and Estates , is it seen to attempt it ? This seems to cut off the Sinews of our Endeavours , and to lay asleep the Powers of the Mind . With Men this is impossible ; but if we look up , with God all things are possible . To prevent misapplications therefore , two things are necessary to be considered : First , That there is no absolute state on this side Heaven : no 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Religion . I mean a Hitherto thou shalt go in Holiness , and no further . The Apostle saith , Grow in Grace . But how long , not a word of that ; we are to be still doing , till we come to Heaven , whose happiness consists in Vision . We are not to pretend to Apostles purity , as the Blessed Angels are called Pure . While we are in the Body , corruption will be found in us . It was the peculiar of Christ , who was God as well as Man , to say , The Prince of this World hath nothing in me , John 14.30 . 2 dly , We need not employ our Care to keep our selves from all the things of this World ; for 't is not the property of every thing in it to stain and defile the Soul. We are allowed a free genuine Converse to Love as Brethren , nay to love the World , but always with this proviso , that we do not equal that with our Love of God. We are then to use our utmost endeavours , to bring the Body under the command of the Spirit , by keeping our selves free from Worldly Pollutions , that is the Lust of the Eye , the Lust of the Flesh , and the Pride of Life . This being well considered , we cannot despair of attaining a perfect Conquest over the World ; for whatever ought to be the Object of our just and reasonable Desires is allowed us in it . But with what Armour shall we fight ? By what means shall we lay hold upon the Crown ? St. John will tell you , that it is by Faith , in the Son of God. Who is he that overcometh the World ? It is He that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God. The Israelites as long as they thought upon the Gyants and Anakims , were not convinced of the possibility of Conquering the Land of Canaan : So may it fare with us , if we insist only upon the difficulties of our Christian Warfare , that there are strivings without , and strivings within : our Spirits may flag . But if we muster up the Auxiliaries of our most Holy Faith : when we compare our Assistants with the difficulties : that as their is a Devil without to tempt us , so their is a Spirit within to help our Infirmities , and a God above to intercede for us , we have just reason to be of good Cheer , to deny our selves , and to go on to perfection , knowing that we shall reap in due time , if we faint not . It was an excellent Advice of the Son of Sirach . My Son , if thou come to serve the Lord , prepare thy Soul for Temptation , Eccles . 2.1 . He that desires to arrive at a good degree of Holiness , must call in all the Forces of his Soul , for so noble atchievements , prepare himself to go to Battel against his Enemies . To subdue our Passions , to break off old Habits and Customs , is not a work so easie , as that may be effected in a moment : all which is included in this , in keeping our selves unspotted from the World. We cannot do all this in a Hurry , but must be exercised in this great work Day and Night . It must be confest that our Saviour's own Disciples were not so mortified to the world , but they did contend among themselves , who should be greatest , being bred in the Jewish Religion , which was attended with temporal Promises , but having fully understood the design of their Master's Coming , how holily and humbly , how meekly and inoffensively did they walk through this treacherous world . The Heathens called the Christians a company of Ideots , for abandoning the Pleasures of this World for some future Contingencies , as they term'd those of the World to come . This may be tollerable in Pagans , but their are no motives that a Christian should be in love with this Life . For he that believes that eternal damnation is due to any Sin , cannot consider this , and gratifie a Lust . He that stedfastly believes that the Wrath of God shall be executed upon those that obey not the Gospel , will not , if he might be Master of the whole World , lose his own Soul ; such a Man is above Temptation , will resist all the charms of Sensuallity , as Religious Joseph did the Importunities of Potiphar's Wife , with a How shall I do this wickedness , and Sin against God ? So remarkable and Heroick was the Mortification of the Primitive Christians , so little regard had they to the concerns of this Life , that as soon as they were convinced that there was another , immediately upon this Joyful News , as many as had Lands and Estates , sold them , and brought the Money and laid it at the Apostles Feet , Acts 4.34 . And if believe the same blessed Resurrection , why are we so concerned for our Lands and Possessions ? why do we tremble every moment least the Darlings of ours be snatched away from us ? is it not because our Affections are not yet on things above , but on things on Earth . And now having done with the Text , and seen that the Religion which must fit us for the Kingdom of Heaven , is holy and undefiled ; What remains on our parts , but that we seriously engage our selves in the actual practice of it , which will bring us in many and mighty advantages , 1 st , Besides the particular influence it will have upon our selves , by establishing a firm Peace within a Good Conscience , of having done our Duty , which is the most sure Refuge in time of need . It will also have a mighty force upon Strangers to the Commonwealth of Israel ; If we delight our selves in doing good . Those Men that will not come to our Churches to hear us what we speak , may in our Streets , by seeing what we do , in a manner convinced of the truth of our Doctrine ; when they see that our Eyes are lent to the Blind to direct them , when they see that our Feet are lent to the Lame to support them , when they see that we part with a Coat to him that hath none , they will say God is in this People of a Truth , surely the Fear of God is in this Place . So that what our Doctrines can neither convince nor convert , our Actions may do both , our Lives serving instead of Arguments to convince Unbelievers , that we are of the Houshold of Faith. 2 dly , If we cannot arrive to this , to gain Proselites to the Faith by our Exemplary Piety , yet this at least will be the blessed effect of it , we shall thereby infallibly stop the Mouths of Gainsayers , and defeat the Hopes of our Adversaries , if so be Charity spreads it self like the thriving Mustard-seed in the Parable , in our Cities , and in our Families . How happily , how safely , should we lodge in the fruitful Branches thereof . If we strive like the Angels of God , to love each other ; if we sincerely practice this pure Religion , our Adversaries shall never prevail against us . This little Island shall continue as it is this day , the mark of Envy to all the Nations round about us . The Abominations of Desolation shall never stand in the Holy Place . If we do our Duty , God will not fail to manifest his Care for Sin ; he will shew that he loveth the Gates of Sion more than all the Dwellings of Jacob. 3 dly , and lastly , the Practice of this most Holy Religion , will not only secure us from danger , but also procure us everlasting happiness hereafter . Charity and Purity of Life are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 things that accompany Salvation as the Apostle speaks , without these and the benefits of his Death , we cannot be saved ; and with these we cannot be damned : These will seal Happiness to our Dust and make us immortal in the Grave . By the tenour of these Graces we are in actual Communion with the Church militant here on Earth , and without which we must never hope to be made Members of the Triumphant in Heaven . FINIS .