442 THE VAIN ßtFUGE OF SINNERS, {DISC. VI. distress ?" The fairest and the most flattering iniquity, what beautiful colours soever it may put on in the hour of temptation, yet it carries all this hidden mischief and terror in the bosom of it, for it frights the creature from the sight of his Creator, and his Saviour, and makes him fly to every vain refuge. Adam and Eve, the parents of of our race, when they lost their innocence, and became criminals, fled from the presence of God, whom they conversed with before in holy friendship. Gen. iii. 8. " They hid themselves among the trees of paradise," and the thickest shadows of the garden ; but the eye and the voice of God reached them there : The curse found them out, though that was a curse allayed with the promised blessing of a Saviour. Guilt will work in the consci- ence, and tell us, that God is angry, and the next thought is, " Where shall I hide myself from an angry God ?" But when the mercy of God has taught us where we may hide ourselves, even-under the shadow of the cross of his Son, and we refuse to make him our refuge, there re- mains nothing but a final horror of soul, and a hopeless address to rocks and mountains to . hide us from an offended God, and a provoked Saviour. " Whensoever, Oh my soul, thou shalt find or feel sóme flattering iniquity alluring thy senses, making court to thy heart, and ready to gain ùpon thy inward wishes, remember the distress and terror of heart that sinners must undergo in the great and terrible day of the Lord. Think of the rocks and mountains which theyvainly call upon to befriend them, to shield them from the ven- geance of that almighty arm, which is provoked by sin to make his creatures miserable. Remember, O my soul, and fear ; remember, and resist the vile tempta- tion, and stand afar off from that practice which will make thee afraid to see the face of God." ReflectionVI. "Of what infinite importance is it then to sinners to gain a humble acquaintance and friendship with the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, that we may be able, with comfort, to behold the face of him that sits on the throne in that day." Which of 'us can say, " I amnot a sinner, I am not guilty before God ?" And which of us then has the courage and hardi- ness to declare, " I have no need ofa Saviour ?" And is thereany one amongst us, who hath not yet fled for refuge
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