Religion our true interest, or, Practical notes upon the third chapter of Malachi the…Religion our true interest, or, Practical notes upon the third chapter of Malachy the…

Consider, 1. To be holy in times of General defection is that which God is Greatly pleased with. The Lord was much taken with the holy conferences and dialogues of these Saints in the Text. When others were inveighing against the Deity, that there should be a parcel of holy Souls speaking of Glory and the Life to come, their words were Music in Gods ears.

Consider, 1. To be holy in times of General defection is that which God is Greatly pleased with. The Lord was much taken with the holy conferences and dialogues of these Saints in the Text. When others were inveighing against the Deity, that there should be a parcel of holy Souls speaking of Glory and the Life to come, their words were Musick in Gods ears.

2. To keep up a spirit of Holiness in an adulterous Generation, is a Christians honour. This was the glory of the Church of Pergamus, that she held fast Christs Name, even where Satan's seat was, Rev. 2.13. The Impiety of the times is a Foil to set off Grace the more, and make it cast a greater lustre. Then a Christian is most lovely, when he is (as Ambrose saith) like the Cypress, which keeps its Viridity and freshness in the Winter season. Psalm 37.37. Mark the perfect man, and behold ⟨p. 8⟩the Upright: An upright man is always worth beholding, but then he is most to be admired when like a bright Star he Shines in the dark, and having lost all, holds fast his integrity.

2. To keep up a spirit of Holiness in an adulterous Generation, is a Christians honour. This was the glory of the Church of Pergamus, that she held fast Christs Name, even where Satans seat was, Rev. 2.13. The Impiety of the times is a Foyl to set off Grace the more, and make it cast a greater lustre. Then a Christian is most lovely, when he is (as Ambrose saith) like the Cypresse, which keeps its Viridity and freshness in the Winter season.