bisc. X.3 THE IORATASTE OF HEAVEN. +31 coldness in the common practices of religion and godli- ness, if they make you fancy that commón_ordinances are a low and needless dispensation, if they seem to ex- cuse you from diligence in the 'common duties of life to- wards man, or religion towards God, there is great .reason then to suspect them There is danger lest they should be mere suggestions, and deceitful workings -either of your own ,natural passions, or the crafty snares of the artful and busy adversary of souls, on purpose to make you neglect solid religion, and make you part with what is substantial for ,a bright and flashy glimpse of -heavenly things. But, on the other hand, if you find that these special ,favours and enjoyments raise your hearts to a greater nearness to God, and more constant converse with him ; if they keep you deep in humility, and in everlasting de- .pendence on the grace of Christ in the gospel, and warm and zealous attendance on the ordinances of worship; if they teach and incline you to fulfil every duty of love to your neighbour, and particularly to your fellow- christians, then they appear to be the fruits of the Spirit; and as. they fit you for every duty and providence here upon earth, there is very good reason to hope they are real visits from heaven, and are sent from the God of all ;grace,, to make you the more meet for heavenly glory. SECTION II. These are the four cautions. I proceed now to de .scribe some of these foretastes of the heavenly blessed ness, and shew how nearly they resemble the blessedness and enjoyments of the heavenlyworld. Firs; " In heaven there is a near view òf God in his glories, with stich a fixed contemplation of -his several :perfections, as draws out the heart into all correspondent ..exercises, in an uncommon, transcendant, and supreme degree.", It is described as one of the felicities of heaven, that "wo shall seeGod," Mat.. v, 3. That we shall "be- hold him face to face," and not in shadows and glasses, 1. Gor. xiii. . ,2. Let us, exhibit some particulars of this kind, and dwell a little upon' them in the most easy and natural method. 1.." In heaven the blessed inhabitants behold the .majesty and greatness of God in such. alight as fixes .their thoughts in glorious wonder and the humblest ado- .
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