126 & HOPEFUL. YOUTH s [SEAM. VU. tained it not; Rom.. x. 3. , He loved heaven well, but he loved this earth better : he chosehis portion and hap- piness in this world, and lost his soul. The eye of God, our Judge, is sharp and severe ; he sees the hidden vices of the mind, through all the fairest veils of nature, and the brightest dress of outward vir- tue. We may cheat others with the disguises of religion, and allure the love of the best of christians : we may cheat ourselves by these fair appearances, and entertain a fond opinion of our own saintship ; but the great God can never be imposed upon at this rate. He knows well what is lovely and excellent in his creatures ; but when he seats himself upon his throne of judgment, all their shining ornaments of bodyand mind are blemished, are darkened, are lost in his eyes, if he discovers a' secret love to sin in the heart. Where the love of this world prevails, it over-balances all other good qualities, though ever so valuable in themselves; and though they may create love in every beholder, yet the love of God is not to_ be purchased, nor persuaded, contrary to his own settled and eternal rules ofjudgment. If any man love this world, the lovè of the Father is not in him; 1 John ii. 15. nor does the Father love him. The prince of devils has many noble endowments, and intellectual glo- ries; the natural powers of an angel remained still with him ; but his inward enmity to God, confines him for ever to hell: and in the sense of the apostle James, Whosoever will be afriend to the world, is the enemy of God; James iv. 4. though in many other excellencies he might be a fellow for angels. Wise and happy is that soul, who fears to build his hopes of heaven upon the sand, upon a shining but fee- ble foundation. Wise and happy is he who does not mistake the glories of nature for divine grace; who does not satisfy himself to seek a little after heaven, but re- solves to find it, and parts with all for the knowledge and the love of Christ. While others, who pretend to much wisdoin, raise their vain expectations of happi- ness, upon a few natural accomplishments, and devout wishes, this man pursues the work upon diviner princi- ples, and brings it to perfection : and when others, at -the great day of decision, meet with shame and terrible
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