scudderpage154

is only aimed at in this life, towards which the Christian, by watchfulness and diligence, may come nearer and nearer; but is never attained until we come to heaven, amongst the spirits of just men made perfect, Heb. xii. 23. He speaks here of the perfection of parts, and of truth and grace in every part, expressing itself in unfeignedness of will and endeavour; which is uprightness.

SECT. 1. THE NECESSITY OF UPRIGHTNESS IN RELIGION.

That you should be sincere and upright, read Joshua xxiv. 14; 1 Chron. xxviii. 9. And the apostle tells you, that since Christ Jesus, your passover, is slain, you must keep the feast, which shadows forth the whole time of our life here, with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth, 1 Cor. v. 7, 8. The examples of Noah, Gen. vi. 9; Job, Job i. 1; Nathaniel, John i. 47; with many others in the Scriptures, are therefore written, that of them you may learn to be upright.

There is special reason why you should be upright:

First, Your God with whom you walk, is perfect and upright, Matt. v. 48; he is truth; he loves truth in the inward parts, Psa. li. 6; all his works are done in truth; and there was no guile ever found to be either in the mouth, hand, or heart, of your head Christ Jesus, 1 Peter ii. 21, 22. Now, you should please God, and be like your Father, and your head Christ Jesus, following his steps.

Secondly, It is to no purpose to do that which is right in God's sight, in respect of the matter of your actions, if in the truth and disposition of your soul you be not upright therein. For the best action, void of uprightness, is but like a well-proportioned body without life and substance. And that is counted as not done at all to God, Zech. vii. 5, 6, which is not done in uprightness. This exception is taken against Amaziah's good actions; it is said, He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but he did it not in up-