fÁ THE SOUL DRAWING NEAR TO GOD. have described this blessed privilege in the sublime glory and beauty of it, so as it has been often attained and enjoyed by persons eminent in grace and religion, and especially such as have had lively affections; and the powers of animal na- ture in a good degree sanctified, and subservientto thedevo-` lions of the soul. But where the natural spirits are low and sinking, and where temptations and darkness hang heavy upon the mind, the christian may truly draw near to God, so far as to find a gracious acceptance with him, and may fetch secret divine communications from the mercy-seat to main- tain his spiritual life ; though he . feels but little of these sen- sations of heavenly pleasure, these more vigorous efforts of devotions and joy. Yet let him neither deny nor despise those more elevated enjoyments of soul, those near and bles- sed approaches to the seat of. God, with which others have been favoured. The second caution shall be addressed to those, who feel much of rapture and transportin their hours of secret piety. I entreat that they would not imagine themselves so often to enjoy this unspeakable privilege of holy nearness to God in worship, if they do not sensibly find such an increase of holiness, as may prove effectually that they have been with God. If they have been conversing with-their Maker, like Moses in themount, there will"be a shine of holiness upon the face of their souls. Topre- tend therefore to have enjoyed much of God in the closet, and to come down amongst men peevish and fretful, or immediately to betray a carnal and covetous, or a haughty and untractable spirit ; t these are things of so inconsistent a nature, that the succeeding-' iniquity spoils the devotion, and almost destroys the pretence to any sublime degrees of it. Such persons had need look well to themselves and make a narrow search within, whether their hearts be sincere with God or no, lest they build all their hopes upon the flashy efforts of animal nature, coupled with the thoughts of some sacred objects, and tacked on to a divine meditation. Reflection.Whatawretched hindrance is this world to our Christian profit and pleasure ! How often does it keep the soul at asad distance from God ! With what difficulty and uneasy reluc- tance, are we sometimes drawn, or rather dragged into retire- ment, that the soul may seek after God there? How many excu- ses doth the flesh borrow from the cares and necessities of this life, to delay, or to divert the dutyof prayer ? Our memory, our imagination, and our senses, are faithful purveyors and treasurers for the world ; they are representing to usthe things of this pre sent state, the trifles or the businesses, the 'cares or amuse- ments of' it, the labours or delights which relate to this life;
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