ay, who MUST be obeyed; for his commandment is life, and it alone, to
thee, as well as to all which He has made. Dost thou fancy as the
heathen do, that God needs to be flattered with fine words? or that
thou wilt be heard for thy much speaking, and thy vain repetitions?
He asks of thee works, as well as words; and more, He asks of thee
works first, and words after. And better it is to praise him truly
by works without words, than falsely by words without works.

Cry, if thou wilt, 'Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of hosts;' but show
that thou believest him to be holy, by being holy thyself. Sing, if
Thou wilt, of 'The Father of an Infinite Majesty:' but show that thou
believest his majesty to be infinite, by obeying his commandments,
like those Three Children, let them cost thee what they may. Join,
and join freely, in the songs of the heavenly host; for God has given
thee reason and speech, after the likeness of his only begotten Son,
and thou mayest use them, as well as every other gift, in the service
of thy Father. But take care lest, while thou art trying to copy the
angels, thou art not even as righteous as the beasts of the field.
For they bless and praise God by obeying his laws; and till thou dost
that, and obeyest God's laws likewise, thou art not as good as the
grass beneath thy feet.

For after all has been said and sung, my friends, the sum and
substance of true religion remains what it was, and what it will be
for ever; and lies in this one word, 'If ye love me, keep my
commandments.'



SERMON V. THE ETERNAL GOODNESS