206 IMPORTANCE OF I:EAAING A to come, in the time of his health, than an unbeliever hath at the hour of his death. § 8. A heavenly mind is also fortified against temptations, because the affections are thoroughly prepossessed with the high delights of another world. He that loves most, and not be that only knows most, will most easily resist the emotions of. sin. The will doth as sweetly relish goodness, as the understanding doth truth ; and here lies much of a Christian's strength. When thou hast had a fresh delightful taste of heaven, thou wilt not so easily be persuaded from it. You cannot persuade a child to part with his sweetmeats, while the taste is in his mouth. O that you would be much on feeding on the hidden manna, and frequently tasting the delights of heaven! How would this confirm thy resolutions, and make thee despise the fooleries of the world, and scorn to be cheated with such childish toys. Had the devil set upon Peter in the mount of transfiguration, when he saw Moses and Elias talking with Christ, would he so easily have been drawn to deny his Lord ? What, with all that glory in his eyes ? No. So, if he should set upon a believing soul, when he is taken up in the mount with Christ, what would such a son) say. " Get thee behind me, Satan : wouldst thou persuade me hence with trifling pleasures, and steal my heart from this my rest? Wouldst thou have me sell these joys for nothing ? is any, honour or delight like this ? or can that be profit for which I must lose this ?" But Satan stays till we are come down, and the taste of heaven is out of our mouths, and the glory we saw is even forgot- ten, and then he easily deceives our hearts. Though the Israelites below, eat, and drink, and rise up to play, before their idol, Moses in the mount will not doso. O, if we could keep the taste of our souls con- tinually delighted with the sweetness above, with what disdain should we spit upon the baits of sin § 9. Besides,. whilst the heart is set on heaven, a man is under God's protection. If Satan then assault us, God is more engaged for our defence, and will
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