Jam. iii. 17. The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
RELIGION, like a tree, must be judged of by its fruits. That which savours of pride, earthliness, or sensuality, is not of God. Its character is justly drawn in the words before us. It is,
I. Holy in its nature —
Religion, above all other things, is entitled to the
name of " wisdom" —
[It enlightens the mind, informs the judgment, regulates the life ; and he who lives under its influence, is wise in the estimation of God himself.]
Being from above, it resembles its Divine Author —
[Religion is a beam issuing from God the fountain of light; and, as " in him is no darkness at all," so neither is there any thing impure in that which flows from him. It may be mixed with sin, but in its own nature it is " pure ;" and, in proportion as it prevails, it will dissipate the clouds of igno- rance and sin. All " spiritual or fleshly filthiness" will surely vanish before ita.]
In consequence of this it is,
II. Useful in its tendency — It renders us,
1. Amiable in our spirit —
[Though men differ widely in their natural tempers, yet the unregenerate are, on many occasions, quarrelsome, fierce, implacable. But as soon as ever religion exerts its influence on our minds, we mortify these unhallowed tempers, and be- come " peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated." From thenceforth it is the delight of our souls to cultivate and pro- mote peace, to maintain in ourselves a meek and quiet spirit, and to exercise, as occasion may require, forbearance and for- giveness to all around us.]
a Matt. v. 8. Acts xv. 9. 2 Cor. vii. 1.