GODS METHOD 07 LEADING. 633 loss of our estates, &c. David oftentimes found temp-, tations surrounding him. For God then to conduct us, or to lead us by his providence, is to guide us through this world in such a way and course of life as is-least ex- posed to temptations and motives to sin. III. Again, God leads us by his Spirit. By this he teaches us to understand his providences and his word Suppose a map or globe of the world were set before a child, he would not well know which is the way from one place to another, or understand the meaning of those lines and articles in it, which is the way from one port to another, what rocks are to be avoided, what shelves to be shunned, without some guide to teach and instruct him. Thus it is with us ; God has given us his word as a map and chart to direct our passage through this world, but we are as ignorant as children of it, un- less he guides us by his Spirit. This then is the design of the spirit of God to teach us, and guide us to heaven by explaining his word and providence. Sometimes, indeed, he leads us contrary to the seeming;indignations of his providence, but never to his word. If I would make any inferences, they should be these two . I. What need is there of ,divine leading in our way to heaven when there are so many snares, so many difficul- ties, to allure or affrightus from our God, andhis worship, and his ways ? II. How full shall our joy be in heaven, when we are brought home in safety ; when we shall look back upon this great wilderness wherein there were so many fiery flying serpents, wherein there were so many temptations, so many difficulties, so many enemies that opposed our journey. It may be perhaps one of our delightfulest con- templations to look upon the various methods of divine grace to bring us to heaven. First, What is implied in this comfort ? Answer. It implies all that inward peace and joy that belongs to re- ligion in this life, and that flows from the hope of bless- edness in the life to come. I will restore to him, saith the Lord, a sense of my love, and shed it abroad in his soul, and compose all the powers of his nature into di- vine peace. I will say unto him, He is my beloved, as well as sweetly constrain him to love-me. I will give hint a sight of the grace that is in my heart for him, and
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