The Ancient Christian Religion, Book 2 · Part 1 · Chapter 1
CHAP. I. Of the Definition of the Christian Religion.
SECT. I.
IT is a good Rule left us by the Ancients, to regulate our Discourses, specially in things disputable, viz. That the beginning of any thing is the definition thereof. Which in the Case proposed, I take to be fitly made in these words; Religion is a holy resignation of the creature Man to the Will and Service of his Creator, the Omnipotent Commander, and the sole Disposer of the Universe.
Some derive the word Religion from Relego, to read again; thereby intimating, that those only are Religious, who diligently consider and observe what they read. Augustine derives it from the Verb Religo, to bind; and hence Aquinus teacheth, That all Men being Originally in God, and by Creation set, as it were, a-loof from him by the Bond of Religion, are fastned to him. And indeed we find when God had created Adam, lest now he should forget God, he had a just Law given him to oblige him to his Creator, in dutiful Obedience. Howbeit, the general Definition of Religion followed by Christian Writers, is this; To worship God duly, as his infinite Majesty doth deserve, in regard of his Excellency and Preheminency above all things; and for the great Benefits which we have received, and do daily receive at his hand. But yet in mine Opinion, we have a more compleat definition of Religion (especially as it concerns Christianity, the Religion now to be considered) by the Apostle Paul himself, Tit. 2. 11, 12, 13, 14. The Grace of God which brings Salvation, hath appeared to all Men, teaching us, that denying Ungodliness and worldly Lusts, we should live Soberly, Righteously, and Godlily in this present Life; looking for that blessed Hope, the glorious Appearing of the great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ: who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all Iniquity, and purifie to himself a peculiar People, zealous of good Works. In this Definition (so I call it) the Apostle layeth the Foundation of a Religious Life, and the Glory consequent to it, upon the Free Grace of God manifest to all Men, and makes Religion it self to consist, 1. In denying all Ungodliness, which comprehends all negative Sanctity. 2. In a Sober, Righteous, and Godly Life, which contains all that lies within the verge of positive Sanctity. 3. It taketh in the great duty of perseverance in Faith, and a zealous performance of Good Works till the consummation of the World. Wherefore from this Definition, I shall proceed to my proposed Subject, i. e. To shew the Nature of the Christian Religion; first, in respect of the Internal part thereof; and secondly, in respect of the External.
SECT. II.
How eminently necessary it is to regard the Internal Part of Religion, is apprent from Rom. 2. 28, 29. He is not a Jew that is one outwardly, neither is that Circumcision which is outward in the Flesh; But he is a Jew that is one inwardly, and Circumcision is that of the Heart in the Spirit, whose praise is not of Men, but of God. Not that the Holy Apostle, in this or any other place, either slights or rejects the External part of Religion: for, Rom. 3. 1, 2. having occasion to answer an Objection, which some perhaps would make from his former words, gives even Circumcision it self, among the Jews, its due honour. What advantage then hath the Jew, or what profit is there of Circumcision? He answers, Much every way, chiefly because unto them were committed the Oracles of God: Plainly shewing, That the regular way to claim the Priviledges contained in God's Oracles, is, for Men to be imbodied as his Church and Family, by the just observation of his Ordinances. Only this is most evident from the place, that where the Internal part of God's Worship is wanting, the Externals in Religion avail nothing; For the Holy Spirit makes believing with the Heart necessary unto Righteousness, as well as he makes confession with the Mouth necessary unto Salvation, Rom. 10. 10. And because we thus find that the Internal part, or belief of the Heart, hath justly the precedency in Christian Religion, I shall propose this method for the more convenient demonstration thereof; discoursing,
1. Concerning the Knowledg of God, and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent.
2. Concerning the denyal of our selves, in point of fleshly Vanities; or, the true Nature of Christian Humility for Sin.
3. Concerning our conformity to Christ in the Spirit of our Minds.
4. Concerning a Christians Hope and Expectation at the appearing of Jesus Christ.
These Particulars I suppose to be comprehensive enough to give us occasion to discourse all those things which relate to the Internal part of Christianity; to which we shall (God willing) now apply our selves. And first to the first Particular.