SERM. vI.] THE LORD'S-DAY, OR CHRISTIAI, SABBATH. 95 the lower world have been plentifully-poured in upon those who have observed the day of the Lord, and spent it to the sacred purposes for which it was designed. , Their basket and their store has been sensibly enlarged and increased by a divine blessing,, and their souls have received much of the dew of heaven, have brought forth abundant fruits of holiness, and been fitted in an eminent degree for the business and blessedness of the upper world. Our famous English judge, Sir Matthew Hale, has left it upon record as his own experience. IV. "Whatsoever spiritual advantages or improvements you obtain on God'sown day, takepare that you do not,lose them.again amidst the labours or.the.' pleasures of the fol- lowingweek. 2 John 8. " Look to yourselves that ye lose not the things which ive have wrought," that is, that mini- sters may not lose their labours in preaching, nor the dis- ciples lose theirs in hearing. Treasure up something on everychristian sabbath that may add toyour spiritualriches, your knowledge, your faith, your zeal; your hope. It is a day appointed for the enriching of your souls; let not the cares of the World bury those treasures, or rob you óf them. Take large steps towards the heavenly world on that day, and see that you be not drawn back again by the allurements or the toils of this mortal state. Maintain that savour and relish of divine things, that holy nearness . to God and. heaven, as far as possible amidst the business of life, which you have gained amidst the ordinances of the sanctuary. Thus you will have a sort of sanctification spread over all yoùr earthly affairs, and you will walk with God in them all. V. " Take notice what relish and satisfaction you find in the duties or services of the Lord's -day, and ,let that be a test whereby you may judge of the sanctification of your souls, and your preparation for heaven." I grant those who are fatigued and overpressedwith the labours of this life, may be well pleased with a day of rest from labour, from mere principles of nature, and the desire of ease or idleness : But do they love the work ofa Lord's- day? Do they delight in christian worship . Do they re- joice to remember a risen Saviour; Do they take plea- sure in the remembrance of God in his glorious works of creation and redemption, and conversewith him with a holy satisfaction in prayer, in praise and other religious 4
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