A fourth volume containing one hundred and fifty sermons on several texts of Scripture…

2. With respect to themselves, and their relation to one another, they must be purified. 1 Pet. 1.22. Seeing that ye have purified your selves in obeying the Truth through the Spirit, unto unfeigned Love of the Brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure Heart fervently. The Purification of our own Souls maketh us to love Purity in others; for Similitude is the ground of Delight and Complacency. No Man can delight in the Purity of others, unless he be in some measure purified himself. Holy Men are only fit for this Communion and Society, others go in the way of Cain, Jude, v. 11. —Who was of that wicked one, and slew his Brother: And wherefore slew he him? because his own Works were evil, and his Brother's righteous, 1 Joh. 3.12. Carnal Professors that creep into the Church unawares, are full of Envy, Strife and Wrath. How can we edify one another in the holy Faith, unless we be first holy? A Man would think they should be purified to the Love of God; nay, but they must be purified to the Love of the Brethren.

3. With respect to the World. A distinct Body should have a distinct Excellency. They are a People distinct from the World, they are set apart for God: Psal. 4.3. Know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself. They are a chosen Generation. Many other Societies excel the Church for Strength, Policy and worldly Pomp; but Holiness and Purity is the Church's Badge; Psal. 93.5. Holiness becometh thy House, O Lord, for ever. God's peculiar People must have a peculiar Excellency upon a double ground.

3. With respect to the World. A distinct Body should have a distinct Excellency. They are a People distinct from the World, they are set apart for God: