Tag: Hypocrites

An Exhortation To True Piety

Content not yourself with that formal religion which unregenerate men have framed to themselves, instead of sincere devotion; for in the multitude of opinions, most men have almost lost the practice of true religion. Think not that you are good enough, because you do as the most, and are not so bad as the worst. No man is so wicked that he is addicted to all kind of vices, for there is an antipathy between some vices; but remember that Christ says, “Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Mat. 5:20). Consider with yourself how far you come short of the Pharisees, in fasting, praying, frequenting the church, and giving of alms: think with yourself how many pagans who never knew baptism, yet in moral virtues and honesty of life, do go far beyond you—where is then the life of Christ your master? And how far are you from being a true Christian?… Read More An Exhortation To True Piety

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The Hope of Long Life: A Hindrance to Piety

The hope of long life is an hindrance to piety. For, were it possible that a wicked man thought this year to be his last year, this month his last month, this week his last week—he would change and amend his wicked life. He would use the best means to repent, and to become a new man. But as the rich man in the gospel promised himself many years to live in ease, mirth, and fullness (Luke 12:19-20), when he had not one night to live longer: so many wicked epicures falsely promise themselves the age of many years, when the thread of their life is already almost drawn out to an end. So Jeremiah ascribes the cause of the Jews’ sins and calamities to this, that she remembered not her last end (Lam. 1:9).… Read More The Hope of Long Life: A Hindrance to Piety

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Moral Duties Before Ritual

“But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice.” (Matthew. 9:13)… There is much to be learned from God’s expressing himself in his word that he likes mercy to them that stand in need of it, better than the offering of the richest sacrifice. Three things especially we learn in it: 1. The respective value and preference of duties. 2. The guise of hypocrites, as our Saviour pinches and taxes the Pharisees often by this point. 3. The excellence of mercy.… Read More Moral Duties Before Ritual

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