PART r. SERMON V: 77 and thereby we are diverted and separated from God, and cal- led away from him often, as soon as we begin to approach his presence. What a pernicious enemy is this flesh to the soul, both in the pleasures and the pains of it ! and this world, both in the flatteries and the ffowns of it, and even in its necessary cares ! When we would give our God the upper -room in our hearts, how is this world ready to get the ascendant ! How often does it break in upon our most sacred retirements, and thrust itself) with all its impertinencies, into our holy meditations ? How often does it spread a carnal scene.all over our thoughts'.. at once, and spoil our devoutest hours ? as 1 cannot dwell so long in my closet as I would, says a christian, the world has such importu, nate demands upon me.' Theworld follows us, into our places of retirement ; the exchange, or the shop, presses into the tem- ple, and robs God even tohis face. Let us then have a care of the flesh : let us have acare of this world ; we must be watchful over them as our most subtle and dangerousenmies, if we would keep our souls near to God, or often enjoy this divine privilege. Blessed Enoch ! who could walk with God in the midst of all the busy and vicious scenes of the old world ! and he was translated to heaven, without calling at the gates of death, that he might give a glorious testi- mony to men how well God was pleased with him. Happy soul ! that could keep near to God, and maintain a holy and humble converse with him, when all flesh had corrupted its way and the earth was full of iniquity and violence ! Blessed man, who knew not what it was to die, but he knew what it was tobe near to God ; and his faith and his devotion were changed the shortest way into sight and enjoyment ! Happy spirit ! who without being absent at all from the body, was brought near to the seat of divine Majesty, and in the fullest manner present with the Lord ! HYMN FOR SERMONV. The Soul drawing near to God in prayer. MT God, I bowbefore thy feet, When shall my soul get near thy seat? When shall 'I see thy glorious face, With mingled majesty and grace t How shall I love thee and adore, With hopes and joys unknown before! And bid this trifling world begone, Nor teaze my heart so near thy throne ! Creatures with all their charms should fly, The presence of a God so nigh : My darlingsins should lose their name, And grow myhatred and my shame. My soul shall pour out all her cares, In flowingwords, or flowing tears ! Thy smiles would ease mysharpest pain Nor should I seek my God in vain.
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