Several discourses tending to promote peace & holiness among Christians to which are added,…

[2.] They place all their Godliness and Righteousness in outward Observances, or external Discipline, and so their Religion is more in the Flesh, and in the Letter, than in Heart and Spirit. As the Pharisees rested in outward Worship only, or some external Rules, without the inward and real Duties, either of the First or Second Table. Mat. 23. 25. They cleanse the outside of the Cup and Platter, but within they are full of Extortion ⟨p. 29⟩and Excess. And, Vers. 28. Ye appear outwardly Righteous unto Men, but within ye are full of Hypocrisy and Iniquity. And every where they are represented as painted Tombs without, but had much hidden Uncleanness and Corruption within. There was an outward formality and show of Religion, when they denied the Power thereof. They should join Obedience to God, and Love to their Neighbour, with their outward Sacrifices; but these things were of little value and esteem with them. Now, what Sacrifices were to them, that External Ordinances are to us. And what their Rituals were, the same is the Mode and Garb of Profession among us. And therefore External Profession, or the performance of External Duties according to our way, is not a sufficient Testimony of true Godliness: For Christ saith, Mat. 5. 20. Except your Righteousness exceed the Righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Their Righteousness was an out-side Righteousness, without that inward Constitution of Soul which doth belong to a renewed Heart, and yet carried on in such a way, and applauded by Men, that the Jews had a saying, That if ⟨p. 30⟩but two Men out of all the World went to Heaven, the one should be a Scribe, and the other a Pharisee. Oh Christians! 'tis one thing to approve our selves to God, who searcheth the Heart; and another thing to approve our selves to Men, who look only to the out-side, and f•ir appearance without. A renewed Heart, that is unfeignedly set to please God in all things, is more than all the Pomp of External Duties. And therefore we should study to give Evidence of this, by making Conscience of Obedience, as well inwardly as outwardly, growing in Holiness all the days of our Lives.