URGED UPON THE READER. 315 own lives miserable, by refusing the delights which God hath set before them. And if this were all, it were a small matter ; but see what abundance of other mischiefs follow the neglect of these heavenly delights. This neglect will damp, if not destroy, their love to God, will make it unpleasant to thNn to think or speak of God, or engage in his service, it tends to per- vert their judgments concerning the ways and ordinan- ces of God, --it makes them sensual and voluptuous, it leaves them under the power of every affliction and temptation, and is a preparative to total apostasy, it will also make them fearful and unwilling to die. For who would go to a God or a place he bath no de- light in ? Who would leave his pleasure here, if he had not better to go to? Had I only proposed a course of melancholy, and fear, and sorrow, you might reason- ably have objected. But you must have heavenly de- lights, or none that are lasting. God is willing you should daily walk with him, and fetch in consolations from the everlasting fountains; if you are unwilling, even bear the loss; and when you are dying, seek for comfort where you can get it, and see whether fleshly delights will remain with you, then conscience will remember, in spite of you, that you was once persuad- ed to a way for more excellent pleasures ; ,pleasures that would have föllowed you through death, and have lasted to eternity. § 30. As for you, whose hearts God bath weaned from all things here below, I hope you will value this heavenly life, and take one walk every day in the New Jerusalem. God is your love, and your desire : you would fain be more acquainted with your Saviour ; and 1 know it is your grief, that your hearts are not nearer to him, and that they do not more feelingly love him, and delight in him. O try this life of me- . ditation on your heavenly rest ! Here is the mount, on which the fluctuating ark of your souls may rest: Let the world see, by your heavenly lives, that religion is something more than opinions and disputes, or a talk of outward duties. If ever a Christian is like 11
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