Inward religion described
In the fifth chapter our great Teacher has fully described inward religion in its various branches. He has there laid before us those dispositions of soul which constitute real Christianity: the tempers contained in that holiness without which no man shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14); the affections which, when flowing from their proper fountain, from a living faith in God through Christ Jesus, are intrinsically and essentially good and acceptable to God. In the sixth he has shown how all our actions likewise, even those that are indifferent in their own nature, may be made holy and good and acceptable to God by a pure and holy intention. Whatever is done without this, he declares, is of no value with God; whereas whatever outward works are thus consecrated to God are in his sight of great price.
1771 text
2. In the fifth chapter our great Teacher has fully described inward religion in its various branches. He has there laid before us those dispositions of soul, which constitute real Christianity; the tempers contained in that holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord; the affections, which when flowing from their proper fountain, from a living faith in God thro’ Christ Jesus, are intrinsically and essentially good, and acceptable to God. In the sixth he has shewn, how all our actions likewise, even those that are indifferent in their own nature, may be made holy and good, and acceptable to God, by a pure and holy intention. Whatever is done without this, he declares is of no value with God: whereas whatever outward works are thus consecrated to God, are in his sight of great price.