There are not inward affections suitable to outward acts and expressions when the spirit is wanting, the form cannot long remain. Thy works are hollow and empty prayers are not filled up with holy desires, alms-deeds not filled up with true charity, sabbaths not filled up with suitable devotion of soul to God. Whenever we are off our watch, we lose ground.

Our Lord called upon them to be watchful against their enemies, and to be active and earnest in their duties and to endeavour, in dependence on the grace of the Holy Spirit, to revive and strengthen the faith and spiritual affections of those yet alive to God, though in a declining state.

There was great deadness in their souls, and in their services numbers were wholly hypocrites, others were in a disordered and lifeless state. Outward things appeared well to men, but there was only the form of godliness, not the power a name to live, not a principle of life.

Hypocrisy, and lamentable decay in religion, are sins charged upon Sardis, by One who knew that church well, and all her works. The Lord Jesus is He that hath the Holy Spirit with all his powers, graces, and operations. Epistles to the church at Sardis (1-6) at Philadelphia (7-13) and Laodicea.

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