DISÇOURSE II. 441 without 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 pol- lutions 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 mychief sorrow ? Do I groan in this tabernacle being bur- dened, 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 ine awaken my continual repentance ? They maintained a sacred tenderness of conscience, and were afraid to indulge themselves in that company, in that practice, and in those liberties of life which have often proved a danger- ous 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 abstainfrom all up. pearance 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 in- ward 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 treasure? What is my hope ? Do I count heaven and thegospel my chief inheritance ? Do I 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 promised glories of another world, when I meet with disappointments here ? They had a large shareof christian experience, a rich stock of divine and spiritual observations by much converse with God and with their own souls. What have I got of this kind for the support of my soul ? or are all these strange things to me ? Be- lieve me, my dear and honoured friends, these are matters of infinite importance ; I am sure you will think so one day : And I trust and persuade myself, you think them so now. I cannot give myself leave to imagine that you put these thoughts far from you. Some of you have made it appear that they lie next,your heart, and that your souls are deeply engaged in the Waysof God and goodness. O that every one of you would give the same comfort and joy to your friends! Be not satisfied with a mere negative holiness, an unspotted - character in- the eyes of the
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