SECT. VIII.] THE HAPPINESS OF SEPARATE SPIRITS. descending characters and offices which he sustains for a sinner's salvation. They have believed in him while he was unseen, and they loved him, though they saw him not; they rejoiced in him as their all, and they knew not how to live with- out him. How is it with my soul in this respect ? Do I love Jesus the Lord ? Is he the desire of my heart, and the delight of my life ? Though they were kept by the grace of God from the pollutions of the world, and upheld their unblemished character to the last, yet they found sin to be their most dangerous enemy ; they have felt it bitter and painful to their souls, and they long groaned under it as their daily burden. What is my grief? what my chief sorrow ? Do I groan in this tabernacle being burdened, because of this inward enemy ? And do I long to be rid of it ? Are my sinful affections like a pain at my heart, and do the workings of sin within me awaken my continual repen- tance ? They maintained a sacred tenderness of conscience, and were afraid to indulge themselves in that compa- ny, in that practice, and in those liberties of life which have often proved a dangerous snare to souls. Now can I appeal to God who sees my heart, that I am cautious and watchful against every snare, that I stand afar off from every temptation, and abstain from all appearance of evil ? They took sweet pleasure in retirement, in prayer, and other holy exercises : This was the refreshment of their hearts, and the throne of grace was their refuge under every distress and difficulty. Let me ask my heart what is my pleasure, my inward delight ? Do I find a sweet relish in devotion ? and when outward troubles perplex me, do I make the mercy -seat my speedy and constant refuge ? They lived upon their bible, they counted the gospel their treasure, and the promises and the words of God written there, were more valuable to them than all their outward riches. But what is my life ? What is my trea- sure ? What is my hope ? Do I count heaven and the gospel my chief inheritance ? Do 1 converse much with my bible, and find food and support there ? Do I look at things unseen and eternal, and feed and rest upon the 459
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=