2. But certainly religion is quite another thing; and they who are acquainted with it, will entertain far different thoughts, and disdain all those shadows of it. They know, by experience, that true religion is an union of the soul with God; a real participation of the divine nature; or, in the apostle’s phrase, _Christ formed within us_. Briefly, I know not how the nature of religion can be more fully expressed, than by calling it a _divine life_; and, under these terms, I shall discourse of it, shewing first, how it is called a _life_, and then how it is termed _divine_. _Its permanency and stability._ 3. I choose to express it by the name of _life_, first, because of its permanency and stability. Religion is not a sudden start or passion; tho’ it transport a man to extraordinary performances. There are few but have convictions of the necessity of doing something for the salvation of their souls, which may push them forwards some steps with a great deal of haste; but anon, they flag and give over; they did shoot forth, fresh and high, but are quickly withered, because they had no root in themselves. These sudden fits may be compared to the convulsive motions of bodies newly beheaded; which, however violent and impetuous, can be of no long continuance: whereas the motions of holy souls are constant and regular, proceeding from a permanent and lively principle. It is true this divine life continueth not always in the same strength and vigour, yet it is not extinguished; nor are holy men abandoned to the power of those corrupt affections, which sway the rest of the world. _Its freedom and unconstrainedness._