418 A Converfation becoming the Gofpel S ER M. which they proceed. It will appear Rill XV. more evidently, if we confider the particu- lar virtues prefcribed by the gofpel, that a converfation becoming it doth not confift in a merely outward regularity of life as fepa- rated from uprightnefs of intention and the concurring influence of good motives. Na one furely will imagine that there can be any fuch thing as godlinefs without pious affections, without the fear and love of God, and faith in him ; there may be an hypocri- ticaI (hew of devotion, or a form of religion, but every one muff fee that is as contrary to the gofpel as the molt open profanenefs is. As little reafon is there to think that any other of the chriftian virtues is compleated in out- ward works ; for inftance, that almfgivings will pafs for charity, fince our Saviour ex- preflly teacheth us that the molt fpecious appearances of that kind, if there be not a right intention, will intitle us to no reward from our father who feeth in fecret, that is, who knoweth the motives of the heart; or, that a mere abftinence from grofs inflances of lewdnefs and debauchery will come up to that fobriety which the laws of Jefus Chrift enjoin to all his difciples. Such a notion appeareth evidently contrary to rea- fon itfelf, and to any tolerably juft fenti- ments
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