DISCOURSE IL 539 "Admiration is described asthe first of the passions : It arises on the notice of something new, or rare and uncommon : But it never céases nor is lost in the contemplation of God, whose glories are infinite, and in whom the holy soul alwaysfinds something new and wondrous. He is a rare and uncommon ob- ject indeed, for there is but one such being inheaven and earth i there never was but one from all eternal ages past, nor ever will be but one to all future eternal ages. " Hast thou seen him, my soul, so as to love him ? then thy work ofpleasing contemplation and wonder will he still renewed Among creatures we go on to admire what we love, but the love of the Creator will lead us to everlasting admiration. And if thou lovest him, thou wilt ever find something new and won- drous in him, as thy knowledge of him increases. Ask thyself then, hast thou seen the glories and the graces of thy God, so as to wonder at the infinite variety of his wisdom, the greatness of his majesty, and the condescensions of his mercy ? Are hisdis- plays of glory in nature and providence, in the bibleand in the church, and especially in his beloved Son Jesus, the matter ofthy joyful meditation and high esteem ? Does a sense ofhis trans., cendent grandeur and goodness strike thee, as it becomes a crea- ture to be stricken with the ideas of a God, that is, with a holy veneration, and with an awful delight ? The love of so sublime and infinite a being is naturally turned to pleasing adoration, and becomes an act of noble worship : But when earthly lovers adore their meaner objects, to express the strength oftheir love, they turn idolaters, and affront God their Maker. Remember, Omy soul, God alone must be adored. " But proceed now, and ask, how stand thy desires and wishes ? Is the favour, the presence, and the enjoyment of God the object of thy strongest desires, and of thy constant pursuit ? Dost thou long after a sense ofthe pardon of sin, the loveof God, and a preparation to dwell for ever with him, above all things besides ? Yet further enquire, what is thy heart's chief de- light ? Are those the sweetest seasons of life when thou art brought nearest to God in the temper of thy spirit, in the lively hope ofhis love, and humble converse with him? Are the se- cret hours of retirement dear and delightful to thee, above all Inman society ? Are the workings- of thy heart, in warm and affectionate devotion, thy sweetest pleasures ? Can it be that ever I should love God supremely, and yet not find my converse with him to be my supreme joy ? " Again : Are the things that relate to God and eternity the objects, of my choice and love, above and beyond the things that relate to men and this life? What value hast thou, Omy soul, for thebible, the book of God ? His words will be treasured upin the heart, and will become- the sweet entertainment ofthy solitary
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