SERM. XI.) THE FELICITY OF CREATURES. 205 placingof them in God's stead, or we make nothing of "them, no means of converse with God; both ways we nullify them, for an idol is nothing, and mere vanity, as the prophets and the apostles speak: So ordinances are vain and unprofitable, and utterly insufficient to make us happy without God. They are mere images, and sha- dows without the substance. To seek,after God, and endeavour to approach him inall his own institutions, is the way to be recovered from the miseries of the fall. To live in a holy nearness to God, is a restoration to the pleasures of innocency. It is the full happiness of reasonable natures to be al- ways with. God It is our noblest honour, and our sweet- est consolation, in this state of darkness and trial, to get as near hire as earth and grace will admit; and it is also the best preparative for heaven and the state of glory,, where we shall dwell for ever nearhim, and be for ever blessed. Amen. HYMN FOR SERMON XI. NEARNESS TO GOD THE FELICITY OF CREATURES. LONG METRE. PE those the happy persons here, Who 'dwell the nearest to their God,' Has God invited sinners near ? And Jesus bought this grace with blood ? Go then, my soul, address the Son, To lead thee near the Father's face i Gaze on his glories yet unknown, And taste the blessings of his grace. Vain vexing world, and flesh, and sense, Retirewhile I approach my God; Nor let my sins divide me thence, Nor creatures tempt my thoughts abroad. While to thine arms, my God, I press, No mortal hope, norjoy, nor fear, Shall call my soul from thine embrace i lis heaven to dwell for ever there.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=