things may pass for religion before men, but this is religion " before God" it is that which he will acknowledge as agree- able to his will, and will recompense with tokens of his ap- probation.]
This description of religion will probably force from lis a tribute of applause : but, instead of bestowing on it empty commendations, it will be proper to con- sider,
III. The use we are to make of it,
The Apostle doubtless designed that we should regard it,
1. As a criterion whereby to judge of our state — [" Victory over the world" is one of those marks which
are universally found in the Lord's people, and in no other % Other persons, it is true, may be free from open vices, and, through disappointments and infirmities, may become dis- gusted with the world : but their love of the world is not at all changed, provided they could have the things on which their hearts are fixed, with health and strength to enjoy them.
A delight in all the offices of love to men for Christ's sake is another mark, whereby Christians are distinguished from all other persons. It is a disposition which springs out of a sense of redeeming love"^, and infallibly " accompanies salvation ^" The want of this disposition argues a total ab- sence of Divine grace'; whilst the exercise of it warrants an assured confidence in the Divine favour".
Let us then bring ourselves to this touchstone. Let us ask ourselves. Whether we do indeed account it " better to go to the house of mourning than to the house of feasting?" Do we consider ourselves as "pilgrims and sojourners here ;" and value our possessions, not so much for the respect or comfort which they procure to ourselves, as for the opportu- nities they afford us of honouring God and benefiting our fellow-creatures ?
Alas ! alas ! when estimated according to this rule, how little of "pure and undefiled religion" will be found! This is a melancholy view indeed of the Christian world ; but it is the view which God himself gives us of it; and it is in vain for us to controvert it ; for by his decision we must stand or fall\]
2. As a directory whereby to regulate our con- duct—
[The
' 1 John iv. 4, 5. ' ib. ver. 10, 1 1 . ' Heb. vi. g, 10.
' I Cor. xiii. 1—3. " 1 John iii. 17—19. "= See Matt. xxv. 34 — 46.