200 IMPORTANCE OF LEADING A and way of God, and that the life of Christianity is a life of joy. Thou wilt meet with those abundant con- solations which thou hast prayed, panted, and groaned after, and which so few Christians do ever here ob- tain, because they know not this way to them, or else make not conscience ofwalking in it. Say not, ° We are unable to set our hearts on heaven ; this must be the work of God only.' Though God be the chief disposer of your hearts, yet next under him you have the great- est command of them yourselves. Though without Christ you can do nothing, yet under him you may do much, and must, or else it will be undone, and yourselves undone through your neglect. Christians, if your souls were healthful and vigorous, they would perceive incomparably more delight and sweet- ness in the believing joyful thoughts of your future blessedness, than the soundest stomach finds in its food, or the strongest senses in the enjoyment of their objects : so little painful would this work be to you. But because I know, while we have flesh about us, and any remains of that carnal mind, which is enmity to God and to this noble work, that all motives are lit- tle enough, I will here lay down some considerations, which if you will deliberately weigh, with an impar- tial judgment, I doubt not but they will prove effec- tual with your hearts, and make you resolve on this excellent duty. More particularly consider, it will evi- dence your sincere piety ; it is the highest excellence of the Christian temper ; it is the way to live most comfortably ; it will be the best preservative from temptations to sin ; it will enliven your graces and du- ties ; it will be your best cordial in all afflictions ; it will render you most profitable to others: it will honour God : without it you will disobey the com- mands, and lose the most gracious and delightful dis- coveries of the word of God ; it is also the more reasonable to have your hearts with God, as his is so much on you ; and in heaven, where you have so much interest and relation ; besides, there is nothing but heaven worth setting your hearts upon.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=