For
hypocrites have no other way to bring their evils to maturity, but
by using and mixing the name of God and religion therewith. Thus
they become whited walls; for by this white, the white of religion,
the dirt of their actions is hid.
Religion to most men is but a by-business, with which they use to
fill up spare hours; or as a stalking-horse, which is used to catch
the game.
The Pharisees did carry the bell and wear the garland for religion.
A fawning dog and a wolf in sheep's clothing; they differ a little
in outward appearance, but they can both agree to worry Christ's
lambs.
CHRIST'S LOVE ABUSED.
Take heed of abusing this love of Christ, Eph. 3: 18, 19. This
exhortation seems needless; for love is such a thing as one would
think none could find in their hearts to abuse. But for all that, I
am of opinion that there is nothing that is more abused among
professors at this day, than is this love of God. And what can such
a one say for himself in the judgment, that shall be charged with
the abuse of love? Christians, deny yourselves, deny your lusts,
deny the vanities of this present life, devote yourselves to God,
become lovers of God, lovers of his ways, and a people zealous of
good works; then shall you show to one another and to all men that
you have not received the grace of God in vain.
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