DISCOURSE VI. 593 consciente, with more lasting efficacy ? Do not the devout pas- sions awaken the latent images of fancy, and dress all the cham- bers of the soul with divine ideas and ornaments ? And have they not, by this means, assisted the soul to maintain its con- stant converse with heaven ? Is it not in the power of the sacred passions to raise and brighten the language of the tongue, as well as command the tears of the eye-lids, and the smiles of the countenance ? Are not our hope and our fear given us to be living spurs to duty, and wakeful guards against temptation and disobedience ; and do they not often employ the hands and the feet, direct the eyes, and awaken the voice ? Will not holy love and joygive a lively and pleasing motion to theblood and spirits ? And the hope of having sin forgiven, and our souls made for ever happy, excite a thousand pleasures in human nature ? Will it not fill the soul with overflowings of gratitude, and make the lips abound in expressions of joy and praise ? And will not these be attended with a peaceful and pleasing aspect, and estab- lish a sweet serenity in the 'heart and eyes ? And all concur to maintain religion in thepower and the joy of it ? Christians, be not afraid of professingthe pleasures of reli- gion. These men of pretended reason are vanquished at their own weapons, when they dare deride your converse with God, and fight against the inward power of your devotions. Be ye convinced therefore, and be established in this truth, that it is not the warmest exercise of our affections, that can be ridiculous in religion, when they areexcited by a just apprehension of divine things : But then it is, the passions are justly censured, when they are indulged to raptures in the confusion and darkness of themind ; when they flutter and make a tumult in the twilight of the understanding, or when they are raised high by mere enthu- siasm, and the visions of fancy, without the solid foundation of knowledgeand judgment to support them, as I have shewn in a foregoing discourse. Give diligence, therefore, O my friends, to improve in the knowledge of God the Father, and in the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ! Maintain your humble converse with heaven, labour and strive in meditation and prayer, till you get near the seat of God, and find sweet access to his throne, through the blood of Christ and the aids of the blessed Spirit : Awaken all the springs of holy love and divine joy. These sacred pleasures will animate you to every duty ; will be a guard to your souls against temptation, and give you courage to stand the ridicule of an unbelieving age : These divine refreshments like the hea- venly manna, will support your sprints through all the wilder- ness, and make your travels easy and delightful. These will lead you on with joy to the promised land, and prepare you to dwellfor ever with that God, with whom you have here enjoyed VOL. II. J' p
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