And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
Ver. 1. I know thy work] Sapiens nummularius Deus est; nummum fictum non recipiet. (Bernard.) Though men may be deceived, God is not mocked. He knows that many cry, "The temple of the Lord," that yet nothing care for the Lord of the temple. Deifica professio et diabolica actio. (Ambrose.) God likes not such creaking and cracking.
And that thou hast a name] Many content themselves with a name of Christians; as if many a ship hath not been called Safe-guard or Good-speed which yet hath fallen into the hands of pirates.
And art dead] All thy specious works therefore are but dead works; thou canst not serve the living God.