An end of doctrinal controversies which have lately troubled the churches

§. 25. But Covetousness and Pride contradicteth their own Doctrine: For among their good works those of Piety are first extolled; and those are the enriching of the Church, and that is themselves; and why them more than the poorer People about us? Because they are sacred persons, and belong to God, and serve at his Altars? Very good. And is Piety to a sacred person (and such as they) so great a Duty, and yet our Piety as immediately to God himself, an indifferent thing, in comparison of our Duty to Man? Yea, some usually make that part of their Piety which consisteth in the observance of their own Traditions and unnecessary Injunctions, to seem of great weight, while the holy observance of God's own Laws is perhaps accused as too much preciseness or hypocris•s; when indeed the Hypocrite is he, that instead of the life and serious practice of true Christian-Holiness, sets up and resteth in the Image of Holiness, and certain formalities, that are lifeless, to deceive himself and others.

§. 26. Where there is no Faith and Love to God, nor Duty done in obedience to God, there is no true moral Virtue, but somewhat equivocally so called, whatever good such may do to the Common-wealth or to their Neighbours; for it wanteth the principle, end and object that should inform it.

§. 26. Where there is no Faith and Love to God, nor Duty done in obedience to God, there is no true moral Virtue, but somewhat equivocally so called, whatever good such may do to the Common-wealth or to their Neighbors; for it wanteth the principle, end and object that should inform it.

§. 27. An Hypocrite may be said to have moral Virtue, as he may be said to have Holiness, that is, only secundum quid, yea, but analogically; yea, but equivocally, in that he hath no other sort of Faith and Love and Obedience.