DISCOURSE VL The .dffectionate Christian Vindicated, and the Sinter Soul Comforted under his Complaints of Deadness, eye. AVE have seen what are the varions advantages that may be derived from the exercise of the passions, in the concerns of re- ligion; and we have taken notice of the irregularities to which they are liable, and have endeavoured to guard against the abuse of them: We proceed now to the fifth general head of discourse 'which was proposed, and that is to vindicate the affectionate christian from the unjust reproaches of men, in his warmest ex- ercises of love to God and devotion. Surely one would think there appears sufficient reason for pious souls to indulge their most livelyaffections in worship, and that without any abuse of their reason, or abasement of their religion. These inward sensations of holy delight, these secret joys which a stranger intermeddles not with, these experimental parts of godliness may be set in a rational light, and be justified to the understanding of men. What is there in all this account of a christian's love to God, and the regulated exercise of pious passions, that is not agreeable to solid reason, and to the na- tural notions that we have of God and our duty, as well as to the brighter discoveries we have by divine revelation ? What is there in all these workings of a holy soul, but what is the just and proper result of the natureof man, as an inferior spirit, in the present circumstances of flesh and blood meditating on God, . the infinite and.supreme Spirit, with a lively hope of his favour and acceptance ? Will the deist and the infidel tell me, that " this is all me- chanical religion, the mere effect of animal nature, the visionary scenes of fancy, and the boilings of a warm imagination ? Will they laugh at all this account, and say, " there is nothing in i but the passionate ferments of flesh and blood, wh éh we mis- take for a reasonable religion and worship ?" I would enter the lists with them, even upon the foot of reason, and ustify these sensations of experimental christianity,by a fewplain and gradual steps of argument. I. Is not the great God theCreator and supreme Governor of all thing ? Is he not the most glorious and most excellent spirit? Is he not a being of infinite majesty, of holiness, and of mercy ? Is he not a God of awful sovereignty, a wise ruler, and righteous judge ? Is he not kind and compassionate toward his
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