A Body of Practical Divinity

2. The second Counterfeit of Sanctification is superstitious Devotion; this abounds in Popery: Adorations, Images, Altars, Vestments, Holy Water, which I look upon as a religious frenzy: This is far from Sanctification. 1. It doth not put any intrinsical goodness into a Man, it doth not make a Man better. If the legal Purifications and Washings, which were of God's own appointing, did not make them that used them more holy; the Priests, who wore holy Garments, and had holy Oil poured on them, were never the more holy without the anointing of the Spirit? then surely those superstitious Innovations in Religion which God never appointed, cannot contribute any holiness to Men. 2. A superstitious Holiness costs no great labour; there is nothing of the Heart in it: If to tell over a few Beads, or bow to an Image, to sprinkle themselves with Holy-water, if this were Sanctification, and were all that were required of them that should be saved, then Hell would be empty, none would come there.

3. The third Counterfeit of Sanctification is Hypocrisy; when men make a pretence of that Holiness which they have not. A Comet may shine like a Star; such a Lustre shines from their Profession as dazzleth the eyes of the beholders, 2 Tim. 3.5. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power. These are Lamps without Oil, whited Sepulchres, like the Egyptian Temples, which had fair Out-sides, but within Spiders and Apes. The Apostle speaks of true holiness, Eph. 4.24. implying, there is an Holiness which is spurious and feigned, Rev. 3.1. Thou hast a name to live, but art dead; like Pictures and Statutes which are destitute of a vital principle, Jude 12. Clouds without ⟨p. 141⟩water. They pretend to be full of the Spirit, but empty Clouds. This show of Sanctification (when it is nothing else) is Self-delusion. He who takes Copper instead of Gold wrongs himself most; the Counterfeit Saint deceives others while he lives, but deceives himself when he dies. To pretend Holiness when there is none, is a vain thing. What were the foolish Virgins better for their blazing Lamps, when they wanted Oil? What is the Lamp of Profession without the Oil of Saving Grace? what Comfort will a show of Holiness yield at last? will painted Gold enrich? painted Wine refresh him that is thirsty? will painted Holiness be a Cordial at the hour of Death? A pretence of Sanctification is not to be rested in. Many Ships that have had the name of the Hope, the Safe-guard, the Triumph, yet have been cast away upon the Rocks; so many who have had the name of Saintship, have been cast into Hell.