Copyright©MonergismBooks

OnKeepingtheHeart

byJohnFlavel

TableofContents

Thetextexplained.

WHATiskeepingtheheart?

WHYshouldwekeeptheheart?

WHENshouldwekeeptheheart?

Inseasonsofprosperity.

Inseasonsofadversity.

InseasonsofZion'stroubles.

Inseasonsofdanger.

Inseasonsofneed.

Inseasonsofduty.

Inseasonsofabusefromothers.

Inseasonsofgreattrials.

Inseasonsofgreattemptations.

Inseasonsofspiritualdoubtanddarkness.

InseasonsofChristiansuffering.

Inseasonsofsicknessanddeath.

Practicalapplication.

TenMOTIVESforkeepingtheheart.

Copyright

TheTextExplained

"Keep your heartwith all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."Proverbs4:23

Theheartofmanishisworstpartbeforeitisregenerated—andthebestafterward.Itistheseatofprinciples,andthefountainofactions.Theeyeof God is fixed upon it—and the eye of the Christian ought to beprincipallyfixeduponit.

The greatest difficulty in conversion—is towin the heart to God. Thegreatestdifficultyafterconversion—istokeeptheheartwithGod.Hereliestheveryforceandstressofreligion;hereisthatwhichmakesthewaytolifeanarrowway,andthegateofheavenastraitgate.Directionandhelpinthisgreatwork,arethescopeofthetext:whereinwehave,

AnEXHORTATION,"Keepyourheartwithalldiligence."

IntheexhortationIshallconsider,

First,Thematteroftheduty.

Secondly,Themannerofperformingit.

TheMATTERoftheduty.Keepyourheart.Byheart, inametaphor,theScripturesometimesrepresentssomeparticularnoble facultyof the

soul. In Rom. 1:21, it is put for theunderstanding; their foolish heart,thatis,theirfoolishunderstandingwasdarkened.Psalm119:11,it isputforthememory;"YourwordhaveIhidinmyheart:"and1John3:10,itis put for the conscience, which includes both the light of theunderstanding and the recognitions of the memory; if our heartcondemns us, that is, if our conscience, whose proper office it is tocondemn.

Butinthetextwearetotakeitmoregenerally,forthewholesoul,orinnerman.Whattheheartistothebody—thatthesoul istotheman.Whathealthistotheheart—thatholinessistothesoul.Thestateofthewholebodydependsuponthesoundnessandvigoroftheheart—andtheeverlastingstateof thewholemanuponthegoodor illconditionof thesoul.

Bykeepingtheheart,wemeanthediligentandconstantuseofallholymeanstopreservethesoulfromsin,andmaintainingits sweet and free communionwith God. I say constant, for thereasonaddedinthetextextendsthedutytoallthestatesandconditionsof a Christian's life, andmakes it binding always. If the heartmust bekept,becauseoutofitaretheissuesoflife,thenaslongastheseissuesoflifedoflowoutofit,weareobligedtokeepit.

Lavater on the textwill have theword taken from a besieged garrison,beset by many enemies without, and in danger of being betrayed bytreacherous citizenswithin, inwhich danger the soldiers, upon pain ofdeath,arecommanded towatch;and though theexpression,Keepyourheart, seems to put it upon us as our work, yet it does not imply asufficiencyinustodoit.Weareasabletostopthesuninitscourse,ortomake therivers runbackward—asbyourownwillandpower toruleand order our hearts.Wemay aswell be our own saviorsas our ownkeepers; andyetSolomonspeaksproperlyenoughwhenhe says, "Keepyourheart,"becausethedutyisours,thoughthepower isofGod;whatpower we have depends upon the exciting and assisting strength ofChrist.Gracewithinusisbeholdentograceoutsideus."Withoutmeyoucandonothing."Somuchforthematteroftheduty.

TheMANNERofperformingit,iswithalldiligence.TheHebrew

is very emphatic; keep with all keeping, or, "keep, keep"—set doubleguards. This vehemence of expression with which the duty is urged,plainly implieshowdifficult it is to keepourhearts, howdangerous toneglectthem!

TheMOTIVEtothisdutyisveryforcibleandweighty:"Foroutoftheheart are the issues of life." That is, the heart is the source of all vitaloperations; it is the spring and original of both good and evil, as thespring in a watch that sets all the wheels in motion. The heart is thetreasury,thehandandtonguebuttheshops;whatisinthese,comesfromthat;thehandandtonguealwaysbeginwheretheheartends.Theheartcontrives, and the members execute: "a good man, out of the goodtreasureofhisheart,bringsforththatwhichisgood;andanevilman,outoftheeviltreasureofhisheart,bringsforththatwhichisevil:foroftheabundanceofthehearthismouthspeaks."Sothen,ifthehearterrorsinitswork,thesemustmiscarryintheirs;forhearterrorsareliketheerrorsof the first concoction, which cannot be rectified afterward; or like themisplacing and inverting of the stamps and letters in the press, whichmustcausesomanyerratainallthecopiesthatareprinted.Othenhowimportantadutyisthatwhichiscontainedinthefollowing.

PROPOSITION—Thekeepingandrightmanagingoftheheartineverycondition,isonegreatbusinessofaChristian'slife.

Whatthephilosophersaysofwaters,isasproperlyapplicabletohearts;itishardtokeepthemwithinanybounds.Godhassetlimitstoourhearts,yethowfrequentlydo they transgressnotonly theboundsofgraceandreligion, but even of reason and common honesty? This is that whichaffordstheChristianmatteroflaborandwatchfulness,tohisdyingday.It isnot the cleaningof thehand thatmakes theChristian, formany ahypocritecanshowasfairahandashe;butthepurifyingwatching,andrightorderingof theheart!This is thethingthatprovokessomanysadcomplaintsandcostssomanydeepgroansandtears.ItwastheprideofHezekiah's heart that made him lie in the dust, mourning before theLord.Itwas the fearofhypocrisy's invading theheart thatmadeDavidcry,"Letmyheartbesound inyourstatutes, that Ibenotashamed." ItwasthesadexperiencehehadofthedivisionsanddistractionsofhisownheartintheserviceofGod,thatmadehimpourouttheprayer,"Unitemy

hearttofearyourname."

ThemethodinwhichIproposetoimprovethepropositionitthis:

First,Ishallinquirewhatthekeepingoftheheartsupposesandimports.

Secondly, Assign diverse reasons why Christians must make this aleadingbusinessoftheirlives.

Thirdly,Pointoutthoseseasonswhichespeciallycall forthisdiligenceinkeepingtheheart.

Fourthly,Applythewhole.

WHATiskeepingtheheart?

Tokeeptheheart,necessarilysupposesapreviousworkofregeneration,whichhassettheheartright,bygivingitanewspiritualinclination,foras longas theheart itnotsetrightbygraceas to inhabitual frame,nomeans cankeep it right withGod.Self is the spring of the unrenewedheart, which biases andmoves it in all its designs and actions; and aslong as it is so, it is impossible that any externalmeans should keep itwithGod.

Man,originally,wasofoneconstant,uniformframeofspirit,andheldonestraightandevencourse.Notonethoughtorfacultywasdisordered:hismindhadaperfectknowledgeoftherequirementsofGod,hiswillaperfect compliance therewith; all his appetites and powers stood in amostobedientsubordination.

Man, by the apostasy, has become a most disordered and rebelliouscreature,opposinghisMaker,astheFirstCause—byself-dependence;astheChiefGood—byself-love;astheHighestLord—byself-will;andastheLastEnd—byself-seeking.Thusheisquitedisordered,andallhisactions

areirregular.

But by regeneration the disordered soul is set right; this great changebeing, as theScripture expresses it, the renovationof thesoulafter theimageofGod—inwhichself-dependenceisremovedbyfaith;self-loveisremoved by the love of God; self-will is removed by subjection andobediencetothewillofGod;andself-seekingisremovedbyself-denial.The darkenedunderstanding is illuminated, the refractorywill sweetlysubdued, the rebellious appetite gradually conquered. Thus the soulwhichsinhaduniversallydepraved,isbygracerestored.

Thisbeingpre-supposed,itwillnotbedifficulttoapprehendwhatitistokeeptheheart,whichisnothingbuttheconstantcareanddiligenceofsucharenewedmantopreservehissoulinthatholyframeto which grace has raised it. For though grace has, in a greatmeasure,rectifiedthesoul,andgivenitahabitualheavenlytemper;yetsinoftenactuallydiscomposes it again; so that evenagraciousheart islike a musical instrument, which though it is exactly tuned, a smallmatterbringsitoutoftuneagain.Yes,putitasidebutalittlewhile—anditwillneedsettingagainbeforeanotherlessoncanbeplayeduponit.Ifgraciousheartsareinadesirableframeinoneduty,yethowdull,dead,and disorderedwhen they come to another duty! Therefore every dutyneeds a particular preparation of the heart. "If you prepare your heartandstretchoutyourhandstowardhim,"etc.Tokeeptheheartthen,is carefully to preserve it from sin, which disorders it; andmaintain that spiritual frame which fits it for a life ofcommunionwithGod.Thisincludesinitsixparticulars:

1. Frequent observation of the frame of the heart. Carnal andformal persons take no heed to this; they cannot be brought to conferwiththeirownhearts:therearesomepeoplewhohavelivedfortyorfiftyyearsintheworld,andhavehadscarcelyonehour'sdiscoursewiththeirownhearts.Itisahardthingtobringamanandhimselftogetheronsuchbusiness; but saints know those soliloquies to be very beneficial. Theheathen could say, "the soul ismadewise by sitting still in quietness."Thoughbankruptscarenottolookintotheiraccounts,yetuprightheartswill knowwhether they go backward or forward. "I communewithmyownheart," says David. The heart can never be kept—until its case be

examinedandunderstood.

2. It includes deep humiliation for heart evils and disorders.Thus Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart. Thus thepeople were ordered to spread forth their hands to God in prayer,realizing the plague of their own hearts. Upon this account many anupright heart has been laid low before God—'O what an heart have I!'Saints have in their confession pointed at the heart—the pained place,'Lord,hereis thewound!'It iswiththeheartwellkept,as it iswiththeeye; if a small dust gets into the eye it will never cease blinking andwateringuntil ithaswept itout.Justso, theuprightheartcannotbeatrestuntilithasweptoutitstroublesandpouredoutitscomplaintsbeforetheLord.

3. It includes earnest supplication and instant prayer forpurifying and rectifying grace, when sin has defiled anddisorderedtheheart."Cleansemefromsecretfaults""Unitemyheartto fear your name." Saints have alwaysmany such petitions before thethroneofGod's grace; this is the thingwhich ismost pleaded by themwith God. When they are praying for outward mercies, perhaps theirspiritsmaybemoreremiss;butwhen it comes to theheart's case, theyextendtheirspiritstotheutmost,filltheirmouthswitharguments,weepandmake supplication: 'O for a better heart!O for a heart to loveGodmore;tohatesinmore;towalkmoreevenlywithGod.Lord!Donotdenymesuchaheart;whateveryoudenyme!Givemeahearttofearyou,toloveanddelightinyou!'Itisobservedofaneminentsaint,thatwhenhewasconfessingsin,hewouldnevergiveoverconfessinguntilhehadfeltsomebrokennessofheartforthatsin;andwhenprayingforanyspiritualmercy,wouldnevergiveoverthatsuituntilhehadobtainedsomerelishofthatmercy.

4. It includes the imposing of strong engagement uponourselves to walk more carefully with God, and avoid theoccasionswherebytheheartmaybeinducedtosin.Welladvisedand deliberate vows are, in some cases, very useful to guard the heartagainst some special sin. "I havemade a covenantwithmy eyes," saysJob.By thismeansholymenhaveoverawed their souls, andpreservedthemselvesfromdefilement.

5.Itincludesaconstantandholyjealousyoverourontohearts.Quick-sightedself-jealousyisanexcellentpreservativefromsin.Hewhowillkeephisheart,musthavetheeyesofthesoulawakeandopenuponall the disorderly and tumultuous stirrings of his affections. If theaffections break loose, and the passions are stirred, the soul mustdiscoverit,andsuppressthembeforetheygettoaheight.'Omysoul,doyoudowellinthis?Mytumultuousthoughtsandpassions,whereisyourcommission?'Happyisthemanthatthusfearsalways.BythisfearoftheLord, it is that men depart from evil, shake off sloth, and preservethemselvesfrominiquity.Hewhowillkeephisheartmusteatanddrinkwith fear, rejoice with fear, and pass the whole time of his sojourninghereinholyfear.Allthisislittleenoughtokeeptheheartfromsin.

6. It includes the realizing of God's presence with us, andsetting the Lord always before us. This the people have found apowerfulmeans of keeping their hearts upright, and awing them fromsin.WhentheeyeofourfaithisfixedupontheeyeofGod'somniscience,wedarenotletoutourthoughtsandaffectionstovanity.HolyJobdarenotallowhisheart toyieldtoanimpure,vainthought,andwhatwas itthatmovedhimtosogreatcircumspection?Hetellsus,"DoesnotHeseemyways,andcountallmysteps?"

Insuchparticularsasthesedogracioussoulsexpressthecaretheyhaveof their hearts. They are careful to prevent the breaking loose of thecorruptionsintimeoftemptation;carefultopreservethesweetnessandcomforttheyhavegottenfromGodinanyduty.Thisisthework,andofall works in religion it is the most difficult, constant, and importantwork.

1.ItistheHARDESTwork.Heart-workishardworkindeed.Toshuffleoverreligiousdutieswitha looseandheedlessspirit—will costnogreatpains;buttosetyourselfbeforetheLord,andtieupyourlooseandvainthoughts to a constant and serious attendance upon him; thiswill costyou something. To attain a facility anddexterity of language in prayer,andputyourmeaningintoaptanddecentexpressions,iseasy;buttogetyourheartbroken for sin,while youare confessing it;meltedwith freegracewhileyouareblessingGodforit;tobereallyashamedandhumbled

though the apprehensions of God's infinite holiness, and to keep yourheartinthisframe,notonlyin,butafterduty—willsurelycostyousomegroansandpainsofsoul.Torepresstheoutwardactsofsin,andcomposethe externalpart of your life in a laudablemanner—isno greatmatter;evencarnalpeople,bytheforceofcommonprinciples,candothis.Buttokill therootofcorruptionwithin,tosetandkeepupaholygovernmentoveryourthought,tohaveallthingsliestraightandorderlyintheheart—thisisnoteasy.

2. It is aCONSTANTwork.Thekeepingof theheart is awork that isneverdoneuntillifeisended.ThereisnotimeorconditioninthelifeofaChristianwhichwillallowan intermissionof thiswork. It is inkeepingwatchoverourhearts,asitwasinkeepingupMoses'handswhileIsraelandAmalekwerefighting.NosoonerdothehandsofMosesgrowheavyandsinkdown,thanAmalekprevails.Pausingthewatchovertheirownhearts forbuta fewminutes,costDavidandPetermanyasadday andnight.

3.ItisthemostIMPORTANTbusinessofaChristian'slife.Withoutthiswe are but formalists in religion: all our professions, gifts and dutiessignifynothing. "Myson,givemeyourheart!" isGod's request.God ispleased tocall thatagiftwhichis indeedadebt; hewill put thishonoruponthecreature,toreceiveitfromhiminthewayofagift;butifthisbenot givenhim,he regardsnotwhatever else youbring tohim.There isonlysomuchofworthinwhatwedoforGod—asthereisofheart init.Concerningtheheart,Godseemstosay,asJosephofBenjamin,"Ifyoubring not Benjamin with you, you shall not see my face." Among theHeathen,whenthebeastwascutupforsacrifice,thefirstthingthepriestlookeduponwas the heart; and if thatwasunsound andworthless thesacrificewas rejected.God rejects all duties (however glorious in otherrespects)whichareofferedhimwithouttheheart.Hewhoperformsdutywithouttheheart,thatis,heedlessly—isnomoreacceptedwithGodthanhewhoperformsitwithadoubleheart,thatis,hypocritically.

ThusIhavebrieflyconsideredWHATthekeepingoftheheartsupposesandimports.Iproceed,

Secondly,ToassignsomereasonsWHYChristiansmustmake this the

greatbusinessoftheirlives.

WHYshouldwekeeptheheart?

The importance and necessity of making this our great business willmanifestlyappearfromseveralconsiderations:

1. The glory of God is much concerned. Heart-evils are veryprovokingevilstotheLord.Outwardsinsare"sinsofgreatinfamy,"butthattheheart-sinsare"sinsofdeeperguilt."HowseverelyhasthegreatGoddeclaredhiswrathfromheavenagainstheart-wickedness!

Thecrime forwhich theoldworldstands indicted isheart-wickedness!"Godsaw thatevery imaginationof theirheartswasonly evil, and thatcontinually;" for which he sent themost dreadful judgments that wereever inflicted since time began.We find not their murders, adulteries,blasphemies, (though theywere defiledwith these) particularly allegedagainstthem—buttheevilsoftheirhearts!

ThatbywhichGodwassoprovokedastogiveuphisspecial inheritanceinto theenemy'shand,was theevilof theirhearts. "OJerusalem,washyourheartfromwickedness,thatyoumaybesaved;howlongshallyourvain thoughts lodgewithin you?"Of thewickedness andvanityof theirthoughts,Godtookparticularnotice;andbecauseof this theChaldeansmust come upon them, "as a lion from his thicket, and tear them topieces."

ForthesinofthoughtsitwasthatGodthrewdownthefallenangelsfromheaven, and still keeps them in "everlasting chains" to the judgmentofthe great day; by which expression is not obscurely intimated someextraordinary judgment to which they are reserved; as prisoners thathave most irons laid upon them may be supposed to be the greatestmalefactors.Andwhatwastheirsin?Spiritualwickedness!Merelyheart-

evilsaresoprovokingtoGod,thatforthemherejectswithindignationallthedutiesthatsomemenperform."Theirofferingswillnotbeaccepted.Whensuchpeoplesacrificeanox,itisnomoreacceptablethanahumansacrifice.Whentheysacrificealamborbringanofferingofgrain,itisasbadasputtingadogorthebloodofapigonthealtar!Whentheyburnincense, it is as if they had blessed an idol." In what words could theabhorrence of a creature's actions bemore fully expressed by the holyGod?Murder and idolatry are notmore vile in his account, than theirsacrifices,thoughmateriallysuchashehimselfhasappointed.Andwhatmadetheirsacrificessovile?Thefollowingwordsinformus:"Theirsoulsdelightintheirabominations."

Such is the vileness of mere heart-sins, that the Scriptures sometimesintimatethedifficultyofpardonforthem.TheheartofSimonMaguswasnot right, he had base thoughts of God, and of the things of God: theapostlebadehim"repentandpray, ifperhapsthe thoughtsofhisheartmightbeforgivenhim."Othenneverslightheartevils!Forbythese,Godishighlywrongedandprovoked.ForthisreasonleteveryChristiankeephisheartwithalldiligence.

2.Thesincerityofourprofessionmuchdependsuponthecareweexerciseinkeepingourhearts.Mostcertainly,thatmanwhoiscareless of the frame of his heart, is but a hypocrite in his profession,however eminent he be in the externals of religion.We have a strikinginstanceofthisinthehistoryofJehu."ButJehutooknoheedtowalkinthewaysof theLordGodofIsraelwithhisheart."ThecontextgivesanaccountofthegreatserviceperformedbyJehuagainstthehouseofAhabandBaal,andalsoofthegreattemporalrewardgivenhimbyGodforthatservice,eventhathischildren,tothefourthgeneration,shouldsituponthethroneofIsrael.Yet inthesewordsJehuiscensuredasahypocrite.Though God approved and rewarded the work, yet he abhorred andrejectedthepersonwhodidit,ashypocritical.WhereinlaythehypocrisyofJehu?Inthis;hetooknoheedtowalkinthewaysoftheLordwithhisheart;thatis,hedidallinsincerelyandforselfishends.Andthoughtheworkhedidwasmateriallygood,yethe,notpurginghisheartfromthoseunworthyselfishdesignsindoingit,wasahypocrite.

AndthoughSimonMagusappearedsuchapersonthattheapostlecould

not obviously reject him, yet his hypocrisy was quickly discovered.Thoughheprofessedpietyandassociatedhimselfwiththesaints,hewasastrangertothemortificationofheart-sins."YourheartisnotrightwithGod."

Itistrue,thereisgreatdifferencebetweenChristiansthemselvesintheirdiligenceanddexterityaboutheartwork;somearemoreconversantwith,andmore successful in it thanothers.Buthewho takesnoheed to hisheart,whoisnotcarefultoorderitarightbeforeGod,isbutahypocrite."Mypeople comepretending to be sincere and sit before you listening.But theyhaveno intentionofdoingwhatI tell them.Theyexpress lovewith their mouths, but their hearts seek only after money. Indeed, tothem you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with abeautifulvoiceandplaysaninstrumentwell,fortheyhearyourwordsbutdonotputthemintopractice."Herewasacompanyofformalhypocrites,asisevidentfromthatexpression,mypeople;likethem,butnotofthem.And what made them so? Their outside was fair; here were reverentpostures,highprofessions,muchseemingdelightinordinances.Yes,butfor all that, they kept not their hearts with God in those duties; theirheartswerecommandedbytheirlusts,theywentaftertheirmoney.Hadthey kept their hearts with God, all had been well: but not regardingwhich way their hearts went in duty, there lay the essence of theirhypocrisy.

If any upright soul should hence infer, 'I am a hypocrite too, formanytimesmyheartdepartsfromGodinduty;dowhatIcan,yetIcannotholdit close with God!' I answer, the very objection carries in it its ownsolution.Yousay, 'DowhatIcan,yetIcannotkeepmyheartwithGod.'Soul,ifyoudowhatyoucan,youhavetheblessingofanupright,thoughGodseesgoodtoexerciseyouundertheafflictionofadiscomposedheart.

TherestillremainssomewildnessinthethoughtsandfanciesofthebestChristians, tohumble them;but ifyou findaconcernbefore topreventthem,andoppositionagainstthemwhentheycome,andgriefandsorrowafterward, you find enough to clear you from the charge of reigninghypocrisy. This precaution is seen partly in laying up theword in yourhearttopreventthem."YourwordhaveIhidinmineheart,thatImightnot sin against you." Partly in your endeavors to engage your heart to

God; and partly in begging preventing grace from God in yourcommencementofduty.Itisagoodsigntoexercisesuchprecaution.Anditisanevidenceofuprightness,toopposethesesinsintheirfirstrise."Ihate vain thoughts." "The spirit lusts against the flesh." Your grief alsorevealstheuprightnessofyourheart.IfwithHezekiahyouarehumbledfortheevilsofyourheart,youhavenoreason, fromthosedisorders, toquestiontheintegrityofit;buttoallowsintolodgequietlyintheheart,to let yourhearthabitually andwithout controlwander fromGod—is asad,adangeroussymptomindeed!

3.Thebeautyofourlivesarisesfromtheheavenlyframeofourspirits.Thereisaspirituallusterandbeautyinthelivesofsaints."Therighteousismoreexcellentthanhisneighbor;"saintsshineasthe lightsoftheworld;butwhateverlusterandbeautyisintheirlives,comesfromtheexcellencyof their spirits;as thecandlewithinputs lusterupon thelanterninwhichitshines.Itisimpossiblethatadisorderedandneglectedheartshouldeverproduceawell-orderedconversation;andsince(asthetextobserves) the issuesorstreamsof life flowoutof theheartas theirfountain, itmust follow, thatsuchastheheart is—thelifewillbe.Hence 1 Peter 2:11-12, "Abstain from fleshly lusts—having yourconversationhonest,"orbeautiful,astheGreekwordimports.SoIsaiah,55:7. "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man histhoughts."Hisway,denotesthecourseofhislife;histhoughts,theframeof his heart: and therefore since the course of his life flows from histhoughts,ortheframeofhisheart—neitherwillbeforsaken.

The heart is the source of all actions; these actions are virtually andradicallycontainedinourthoughts;thesethoughtsbeingoncemadeupintoaffections,arequicklymadeoutintosuitableactions.Iftheheart iswicked, then, as Christ says, "Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts,murders,"etc.Marktheorder:first,wantonorrevengefulthoughts;thenunclean, ormurderouspractices. And if the heart is holy, then it is aswithDavid:"MyheartisstirredbyanoblethemeasIrecitemyversesfortheking;my tongue is thepenof a skillfulwriter."Here is a life richlybeautified with good works. Put the heart in frame and the life willquicklydiscoverthatitisso.Itisnotverydifficulttodiscern,bythelivesand converse of Christians, what frames their hearts are in. Take a

Christian in a good frame of heart, and how serious, heavenly andprofitablewillhislifeandpiousexercisesbe!Whatalovelycompanionisheduring thecontinuanceof it! Itwoulddoanyone'sheartgood tobewithhimatsuchatime.

"The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks ofjudgment;he lawofhisGodis inhisheart."Whentheheart isupwithGod,andfullofGod,howdextrouslywillheinsinuatespiritualdiscourse,improvingeveryoccasionandadvantagetosomeheavenlypurpose!Fewwordsthenruntowaste.Andwhatcanbethereasonthatthediscoursesand duties of many Christians are become so frothy and unprofitable,theircommunionbothwithGodandwithoneanotherbecomesasadrystalk,butthis—theirheartsareneglected?Surelythismustbethereasonofit,anditisanevilgreatlytobebewailed.

Thus the attracting beauty which used to shine from the lives of thesaints,uponthefacesandconsciencesoftheworld,(which,if itdidnotallure and bring them in love with the ways of God, at least left atestimonyintheirconsciencesoftheexcellencyofthosemenandoftheirways,)isinagreatmeasurelost,totheunspeakabledetrimentofreligion.Timewas, when Christians conducted in such a holymanner, that theworldstood gazing at them.Their life and languagewere of a differentstrainfromthoseofothers,theirtonguesmanifestedthemtobeGalileanswherever they came. But now, since vain speculations and fruitlesscontroversieshavesomuchgained;andheart-work,practicalgodlinessisso much neglected among professors, the case is sadly altered! Theirdiscoursehasbecomelikeothermen's;iftheycomeamongyounow,theymay"heareverymanspeakinhisownlanguage."AndIhavelittlehopetoseethisevilredressed,andthecreditofpietyrepaired,untilChristiansdotheirfirstworks,untiltheyapplyagaintoheart-work!Whenthesaltofheavenly-mindedness iscast into thespring—thestreamswill runmoreclearandmoresweet.

4.Thecomfortofoursoulsmuchdependsuponthekeepingofour hearts. He who is negligent in attending to his own heart, is,ordinarily,agreatstrangertoassurance,andthecomfortsfollowingfromit. Indeed if the Antinomian doctrine were true, which teaches you torejectallmarksandsignsforthetrialofyourcondition,tellingyouthatit

is theSpiritwho immediatelyassuresyou,bywitnessingyouradoptiondirectly, without them; then youmight be careless of your hearts, yes,strangers to them, and yet no strangers to comfort. But since bothScripture and experience confute this, I hope you will never look forcomfortinthisunscripturalway.IdenynotthatitistheworkandofficeoftheSpirittoassureyou;yetIconfidentlyaffirm,thatifeveryouattainassurance intheordinarywaywhereinGoddispenses it, youmust takepainswithyourownhearts.Youmayexpectyour comforts upon easierterms,but I ammistaken if ever youenjoythemuponanyother termsbut these: give all diligence; prove yourselves; this is the scripturalmethod.

Oneperson,beingsweetlysettledandassured,anotheraskedhimhowheattained it, he answered, "Not by any extraordinary revelation, but bysubjectingmyunderstandingtotheScriptures,andcomparingmyheartwiththem."

TheSpirit,indeed,assuresbywitnessingouradoption;andhewitnessesintwoways.Onewayis,objectively,thatis,byproducingthosegracesinour soulswhichare theconditionsof thepromise;and so theSpirit,andhis graces in us, are all one. The Spirit ofGod dwelling in us, is amarkofouradoption.NowtheSpiritcanbediscerned,notinhisessence,but inhisoperations;and todiscern these, is todiscern theSpirit;andhow these can be discerned without serious searching and diligentwatching of the heart, I cannot imagine. The other way of the Spirit'switnessing is effectively, that is, by irradiating the soul with a gracediscoveringlight,shininguponhisownwork;andthis,inorderofnature,follows the formerwork.Hefirst infuses thegrace,and thenopens theeyeofthesoultoseeit.Now,sincetheheartisthesubjectofthatinfusedgrace, even thisway of the Spirit's witnessing includes the necessity ofcarefullykeepingourownhearts.For,

1. A neglected heart is so confused and dark, that the littlegrace which is in it, is not ordinarily discernible. The mostaccurateand laboriousChristianssometimes find itdifficult todiscoverthe pure and genuine workings of the Spirit in their hearts. How thenshall theChristianwho is comparativelynegligentaboutheart-work,beeverabletodiscovergrace?Sincerity—which is the thingsought, lies in

theheartlikeasmallpieceofgoldonthebottomofariver;hewhowouldfinditmuststayuntilthewaterisclear,andthenhewillseeitsparklingatthebottom.Thattheheartmaybeclearandsettled,howmuchpainsandwatching,careanddiligence,arerequisite!

2. God does not usually indulge negligent souls with thecomfortsofassurance.Hewillnotsomuchasseemtopatronizeslothandcarelessness.Hewillgiveassurance,but itshallbe inhisownway;his command has united our care and comfort together. Those aremistakenwho think thatassurancemaybeobtainedwithout labor.Ah!How many solitary hours have the people of God spent in heart-examination!Howmanytimeshavetheylookedintotheword—andthenintotheirhearts!Sometimestheythoughttheydiscoveredsincerity,andwereeven ready todraw forth the triumphant conclusionof assurance;thencomesadoubttheycannotresolve,anddestroysitall:manyhopes,andfears,doubtingsandreasonings,theyhavehadintheirownbreastsbefore theyarrivedata comfortable settlement.But suppose itpossiblefor a carelessChristian to attain assurance, yet it is impossible for himlongtoretainit;foritisathousandtooneifthosewhoseheartsarefilledwith the joys of assurance, long retain those joys, unless extraordinarycarebeused.Alittlepride,vanity,orcarelessnesswilldashtopiecesallthatforwhichtheyhavebeenalongtimelaboringinmanyawearyduty.Since then, the joy of our life, the comfort of our souls—rises and fallswithourdiligenceinthiswork—keepyourheartwithalldiligence!

5.The improvement of our gracesdependson thekeepingofourhearts.Ineverknewgrace to thrive inacarelesssoul.Thehabitsandrootsofgraceareplantedintheheart;andthedeepertheyarerootedthere, the more flourishing grace is. In Eph. 3:17, we read of being"rooted"ingrace;graceintheheartistherootofeverygraciouswordinthemouth,andofeveryholyworkinthehand.Itistrue,ChrististherootofaChristian,ButChrististheoriginatingroot,andgracearootplantedand nourished by Christ. Accordingly, as this thrives under divineinfluences,theactsofgracearemoreorlessfruitfulorvigorous.Now,inaheartnotkeptwithcareanddiligence,thesefructifyinginfluencesarestoppedandcutoff—multitudesofvanitiesbreakinuponit,anddevouritsstrength;theheartis,asitwere,theenclosure,inwhichmultitudesof

thoughtsarefedeveryday;agraciousheart,diligentlykept,feedsmanypreciousthoughtsofGodinaday."Howpreciousareyourthoughtsuntome,OGod!Howgreatisthesumofthem!IfIwouldcountthem,theyaremoreinnumberthanthesand!WhenIawake,Iamstillwithyou."Andasthegraciousheartnourishesthem,sotheyrefreshandfeasttheheart."MysoulisfilledaswithmarrowandfatnesswhileIthinkuponyou,"etc.

Butinthedisregardedheart,multitudesofvainandfoolishthoughtsareperpetually working, and drive out those spiritual thoughts of God bywhich the soul should be refreshed. Besides, the careless heart profitsnothing by anyduty or ordinance it performs or attendsupon, and yetthese are the conduits of heaven, whence grace is watered and madefruitful. A man may go with a heedless spirit from ordinance toordinance,abideallhisdaysunder thechoicest teaching,andyetneverhe improved by them; for heart-neglect is a leak in the bottom—noheavenlyinfluences,howeverrich,abideinthatsoul.Whentheseedfallsupontheheartwhichliesopenandcommon,likethehighway,freeforallpassengers,thefowlscomeanddevourit.Alas!Itisnotenoughtohear,unlesswe take heedhowwe hear; amanmay pray, and never be thebetter,unlesshewatchesuntoprayer.Inaword,allmeansareblessedtotheimprovementofgrace,accordingtothecareandstrictnessweuseinkeepingourheartsinthem.

6. The stability of our souls in the hour of TEMPTATIONdependsuponthecareweexercise inkeepingourhearts.ThecarelessheartisaneasypreytoSataninthehouroftemptation.Satan'sprincipalbatteriesareraisedagainst theheart; ifhewins that—hewinsall,fortheheartcommandsthewholeman.Alas!howeasyaconquestisaneglectedheart!Itisnotmoredifficulttosurprisesuchaheart,thanforanenemytoenterthatcitywhosegatesareopenandunguarded.Itisthewatchfulheartwhichdiscovers and suppresses the temptationbefore itcomestoitsstrength.

Divinesobservethistobethemethodinwhichtemptationsareripenedandbroughttotheirfullstrength.Thereisthepowerthetemptationhastoprovokeourcorruptnature;whichiseitherdonebytherealpresenceof theobject,orbyspeculationwhen theobject (thoughabsent) isheldout by the imagination before the soul. Then follows themotion of the

appetite, which is provoked by the imagination representing it as asensual good. Then there is a consultation in themind about the bestmeansofaccomplishingit.Nextfollowsthechoiceofthewill.Andlastly,thedesire,orfullengagementofthewilltoit.Allthismaybedoneinafewminutes,forthedebatesofthesoularequickandsoonended:whenit comes thus far, the heart is won, Satan has entered victoriously anddisplayedhiscolorsuponthewallsofthatroyalfort.But,hadtheheartbeen well guarded at first, it would have never come to this—thetemptation would have been stopped in the first or second stage. Andindeedthereitisstoppedeasily;foritisinthemotionofasoultemptedto sin, as in themotion of a stone falling from the brow of a hill—it iseasily stopped at first, but when once it is set in motion "it acquiresstrengthbydescending."Therefore it is thegreatestwisdom toobservethefirstmotionsoftheheart—tocheckandstopsinthere.Themotionsofsinareweakestatfirst;alittlecareandwatchfulnessmaypreventmuchmischiefnow.But thecarelessheartnotheedingthis, isbroughtwithinthepowerof temptation,as theSyrianswerebroughtblindfold into themidstofSamaria,beforetheyknewwheretheywere.

Ihopethattheseconsiderationssatisfymyreadersthatitisimportanttokeep the heart with all diligence. I proceed—to point out those specialseasons inthelifeofaChristianwhichrequireourutmostdiligenceinkeepingtheheart.

WhenShouldWeKeeptheHeart?

InSeasonsofProsperity

I will now point out those special seasons in the life of a Christianwhichrequireourutmostdiligenceinkeepingtheheart.Though(aswasobserved before) the duty is always binding, and there is no time orconditionoflifeinwhichwemaybeexcusedfromthiswork;yettherearesome special seasons, and critical hours, requiringmore than commonvigilanceovertheheart.

1.ThefirstseasonisthetimeofPROSPERITY,whenProvidencesmilesuponus.Now,Christian,keepyourheartwithalldiligence; for itwillbeveryapttogrowsecure,proudandearthly."Toseeamanhumblein prosperity," (says Bernard,) "is one of the greatest rarities in theworld."EvenagoodHezekiahcouldnothideavain-glorious temper inhis temptation; hence that caution to Israel: "The Lord your God willsoonbringyou into the landhe swore togiveyourancestorsAbraham,Isaac,andJacob.Itisalandfilledwithlarge,prosperouscitiesthatyoudidnotbuild.Thehouseswillbe richly stockedwithgoodsyoudidnotproduce.Youwilldrawwaterfromcisternsyoudidnotdig,andyouwilleat from vineyards and olive trees you did not plant. When you haveeaten your fill in this land,be carefulnot to forget theLord, whorescuedyou from slavery in the land of Egypt. Youmust fear the Lordyour God and serve him. You must not worship any of the gods ofneighboringnations, for theLord yourGod,who lives among you, is ajealousGod.Hisangerwill flareupagainst youandwipeyou from theface of the earth." Deuteronomy 6:10-15. So indeed it happened: for"Jeshurunwaxedfatandkicked."

HowthenmayaChristiankeephisheartfromprideandcarnalsecurity,underthesmilesofProvidenceandtheconfluenceofcreaturecomforts?Thereareseveralhelpstosecuretheheartfromthedangeroussnaresofprosperity.

1. Consider the dangerous ensnaring temptations attending apleasantandprosperouscondition.Few,veryfewofthosewholiveinthepleasuresofthisworld,escapeeverlastingperdition."Itineasier"(saysChrist)"foracameltopassthroughtheeyeofaneedle,thanforarichman to enter into thekingdomofheaven." "Notmanymighty,notmanynoblearecalled."

Wehavegreat reason to tremble,when theScripture tellsus ingeneralthatfewshallbesaved;muchmorewhenittellsus,thatofthatrankofwhichweare,butfewshallbesaved.WhenJoshuacalledallthetribesofIsrael to cast lots for the discovery of Achan, doubtless Achan feared;when the tribe of Judah was taken, his fear increased; but when thefamily of the Zarhites was taken, it was time to tremble. So when theScripturescomesonearastotellusthatofsuchaclassofmen,veryfew

shall escape—it is time tobealarmed. "Iwonder" (saysChrysostom)"ifanyoftherulersaresaved."Ohowmanyhavebeenwheeledtohellinthechariotsofearthlypleasures,whileothershavebeenwhippedtoheavenbytherodofaffliction!Howfew,likethedaughterofTyre,cometoChristwithagift!Howfewamongtherichentreathisfavor!

2.Itmaykeeponemorehumbleandwatchfulinprosperity,toconsider that among Christians many have been much theworseforprosperity.Howgoodhaditbeenforsomeofthem,iftheyhad never known prosperity!When theywere in a low condition—howhumble,spiritualandheavenly theywere!Butwhenadvanced,whatanapparent alteration has been upon their spirits! It was so with Israel;when they were in a low condition in the wilderness, then Israel was"holinesstotheLord."ButwhentheycameintoCanaanandwererichlyfed,theirlanguagewas,"Wearelords,wewillcomenomoreuntoyou".Outward gains are ordinarily attended with inward losses; as in a lowcondition their civil employments were accustomed to have a savor oftheir religiousduties, so in an exalted condition their duties commonlyhaveasavorof theworld.He, indeed, is rich ingracewhosegracesarenothinderedbyhisriches.TherearebutfewJehoshaphatsintheworld,ofwhomitissaid,"Hehadsilverandgoldinabundance,andhesoughtthe Lord with all his heart." Will not this keep your heart humble inprosperity, to think how dearly many godly men have paid for theirriches;thatthroughthemtheyhavelostthatwhichalltheworldcannotpurchase?

3.Keepdownyourvainheartbythisconsideration;Godvaluesnomanthemoreforthesethings.Godvaluesnomanbyoutwardexcellencies,butbyinwardgraces;theyaretheinternalornamentsoftheSpirit,which are of great price inGod's sight.Goddespises allworldlyglory, and accepts noman's person; "but in every nation, hewho fearsGodandworksrighteousnessisacceptedofhim."Indeed,ifthejudgmentof God went by the same rule that man's does—then we might valueourselvesbythesethings,andstanduponthem.Butsomucheverymanis—ashe is in the judgmentofGod.Doesyourheartyet swell, andwillneitheroftheformerconsiderationskeepithumble?

4. Consider how bitterly many dying people have bewailed

their folly in setting theirheartsupon these things, andhavewished that they had never known them. How dreadful was thesituationofPopeQuintus,whodiedcryingoutdespairingly,"WhenIwasinalowconditionIhadsomehopesofsalvation,whenIwasadvancedtobeacardinal,Igreatlydoubted;butsinceIcametothepopedomIhaveno hope at all." An author also tells us a real, but sad story of a richoppressor,whohadscrapedupagreatestate forhisonlyson:whenhecametodiehecalledhissontohim,andsaid,"Son,doyouindeedloveme?"The son answered that "Nature, besides his fatherly care, obligedhimtothat.""Then(saidthefather)expressitbythis:holdyourfingerinthecandleaslongasIamsayingaprayer."Thesonattempted,butcouldnotendureit.Uponthatthefatherbrokeoutintotheseexpressions:"Youcannotsuffertheburningofyourfingerforme;buttogetthiswealthIhavehazardedmysoulforyouandmustburn,bodyandsoul,inhell,foryoursake!Yourpainswouldhavebeenbutforamoment,butminewillbeunquenchablefire!"

5. The heart may be kept humble by considering of what acloggingnatureearthlythingsaretoasoulheartilyengagedinthewaytoheaven.Theyshutoutmuchofheavenfromusatpresent,thoughtheymaynotshutusoutofheavenatlast.Ifyouconsideryourselfasastrangerinthisworld,travelingforheaven,youhavethenasmuchreason to be delighted with these things as a weary horse has to bepleasedwith aheavyburden.Therewas a serious truth in the atheisticscoffofJulian:whentakingawaytheChristians'estates,hetoldthem"itwastomakethemmorefitforthekingdomofheaven."

6. Is your spirit still vain and lofty? Then urge upon it theconsideration of that dreadful day of reckoning, wherein,accordingtoourreceiptsofmercies—shallbeouraccountforthem.Methinksthisshouldaweandhumblethevainestheartthateverwasinthebosomofasaint.KnowforacertaintythattheLordrecordsallthemerciesthateverhegaveyou,fromthebeginningtotheendofyourlife.'Remember,Omypeople,fromAcaciauntoGilgal,'etc.Yes,theyareexactlynumberedandrecordedinordertoanaccount;andyouraccountwill be suitable: "To whomever much is given, of him shall much berequired."Youarebuta steward, andyourLordwill comeand takean

account of you; andwhat a great account have you tomake,who havemuchofthisworldinyourhands!Whatswiftwitnesseswillyourmerciesbeagainstyou,ifthisbethebestfruitofthem!

7. It is a very humbling reflection—that the mercies of Godshould work otherwise uponmy spirit, than they used to doupon the spirits of others to whom they come as sanctifiedmerciesfromtheloveofGod.Ah,Lord!Whatasadconsiderationisthis!Enoughtolaymeinthedust,whenIconsider:

(1.)Thattheirmercieshavegreatlyhumbledthem,thehigherGod has raised them, the lower they have laid themselvesbefore him. Thus did Jacob when God had given him muchsubstance. "And Jacob said, I am not worthy of the least of all yourmercies, and all the truth which you have showed your servant." ThusalsoitwaswithholyDavid;whenGodhadconfirmedthepromisetohim,tobuild ahouse forhim, andnot rejecthimas he did Saul, he goes inbeforetheLordandsays,"WhoamI,andwhatismyfather'shouse,thatyou have brought me hitherto?" So indeed God required. When Israelbrought to him the first fruits of Canaan, they were to say, "A Syrianreadytoperishwasmyfather,"etc.DoothersraiseGodthehigherforhisraisingthem?AndthemoreGodraisesme—themoreshallIabusehimandexaltmyself?Ohowwickedissuchconductasthis!

(2.) Others have freely ascribed the glory of all theirenjoymentstoGod,andmagnifiednotthemselves,buthim,fortheirmercies.ThussaysDavid,"Letyournamebemagnifiedandthehouse of your servant be established."He does not fly upon themercyandsuckoutitssweetness,lookingnofurtherthanhisowncomfort.No!Hecares fornomercy,unlessGod ismagnified in it.SowhenGodhaddeliveredhimfromallhisenemies,hesays,"TheLordismystrengthandmy rock, he has become my salvation." Saints of old did not put thecrownupontheirownheadsasIdobymyvanity.

(3.)ThemerciesofGodhavebeenmeltingmerciesuntoothers,melting their souls in love to the God of theirmercies.WhenHannah received themercy of a son, she said, "My soul rejoices in theLord;"notinthemercy,butintheGodofthemercy.SoalsoMary:"My

soul doesmagnify the Lord;my spirit rejoices in Godmy Savior." Theword signifies to make more room for God; their hearts were notcontracted,butthemoreenlargedtoGod.

(4.) The mercies of God have been great restraints to keepothers from sin. "Seeing you, our God, have given us such adeliverance as this, should we again break your commandments?"Ingenuoussoulshave felt the forceof theobligationsof loveandmercyuponthem.

(5.)ThemerciesofGodtoothershavebeenasoiltothewheelsoftheirobedience,andmadethemmorefitforservice.Nowifmercieswork contrarily uponmyheart,what cause have I to be afraidthattheycomenottomeinlove!Itisenoughtodampthespiritsofanysaint—toseewhatsweeteffectsmercieshavehaduponothers—andwhatbittereffectsuponhim!

InSeasonsofAdversity

The second season in the life of a Christian, requiringmorethan common diligence to keep his heart, is the time ofADVERSITY. When Providence frowns upon you, and blasts youroutwardcomforts—thenlooktoyourheart;keepitwithalldiligencefromrepining against God or fainting under his hand; for troubles, thoughsanctified,aretroublesstill.Jonahwasagodlyman,andyethowfretfulwashisheartunderaffliction!Jobwas themirrorofpatience—yethowwas his heart discomposed by trouble! You will find it hard to get acomposedspiritundergreatafflictions.Othehurriesandtumultswhichthey occasion even in the best hearts! Let me show you, then, how aChristian under great afflictions may keep his heart from repining ordesponding,underthehandofGod.Iwillhereofferseveralhelpstokeeptheheartinthiscondition.

1. By these cross providences God is faithfully pursuing the

greatdesignofelectingloveuponthesoulsofhispeople,andorders all these afflictions as means sanctified to that end.Afflictions comenotby chance—butby counsel.By the counsel ofGod,theyareordainedasmeansofmuchspiritualgoodtosaints."Bythisshallthe iniquity of Jacob be purged," etc. "But he disciplines us for ourprofit,"etc."Allthingsworktogetherforgood,"etc.afflictionsareGod'sworkmenuponourhearts,topulldownourprideandcarnal;andbeingso, theirnature is changed; theyare turned intoblessingsandbenefits!"ItisgoodformethatIhavebeenafflicted,"saysDavid.SurelythenyouhavenoreasontoquarrelwithGod—butrathertowonderthatheshouldconcern himself so much in your good, as to use any means foraccomplishing it.Paul couldblessGod ifbyanymeanshemightattaintheresurrectionofthedead."Mybrethren,"saysJames,"countitalljoywhen you fall into diverse trials." ‘My Father is about a design of loveuponmysoul,anddoIdowelltobeangrywithhim?Allthathedoes,isinpursuanceof,andinreferencetosomeeternal,gloriousendsuponmysoul.ItismyignoranceofGod'sdesignthatmakesmequarrelwithhim.'Hesaystoyouinthiscase,ashedidtoPeter,"WhatIdo,youknownotnow—butyoushallknowhereafter."

2.ThoughGodhasreservedtohimselfalibertyofafflictinghispeople—yethehastieduphisownhandsbypromisenevertotakeawayhislovingkindnessfromthem.CanIcontemplate thisscripturewitharepining,discontentedspirit:"IwillbehisFather,andheshallbemyson:ifhecommitsiniquity,Iwillchastenhimwiththerodofman,andwiththestripesofthechildrenofmen:neverthelessmymercyshallnotdepartawayfromhim."Omyheart,myhaughtyheart!Doyoudowelltobediscontent,whenGodhasgivenyouthewholetree,withalltheclustersofcomfortgrowingonit,becauseheallowsthewindtoblowdownafewleaves?Christianshavetwokindsofgoods,thegoodsofthethroneandthegoodsofthefootstool;immovablesandmoveables.IfGodhas secured those, never letmy heart be troubled at the loss of these:indeed,ifhehadcutoffhislove,ordiscovenantedmysoul,Iwouldhavereasontobecastdown;butthishehasnotdone,norcanhedoit.

3. It is of great efficacy tokeep theheart fromsinkingunderafflictions, to call to mind that your own Father has the

orderingofthem.Notacreaturemoveshandortongueagainstyou—butbyhiswise permission. Suppose the cup is bitter—yet it is the cupwhich your Father has given you! Can you suspect poison to be in it?Foolishman, put home the case to your own heart; can you give yourchildthatwhichwouldruinhim?No!Youwouldassoonhurtyourselfashim. "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to yourchildren," how much more does God! The very consideration of hisnatureasaGodoflove,pity,andtendermercies;orofhisrelationtoyouas a father, husband, friend—may be security enough, if he had notspokenawordtoquietyouinthiscase.Andyetyouhavehiswordtoo,bytheprophetJeremiah:"Iwilldoyounohurt."Youlietoonearhisheartforhimtohurtyou.Nothinggrieveshimmorethanyourgroundlessandunworthysuspicionsofhiswiseandkinddesigns.Woulditnotgrieveafaithful, tender-hearted physician,when he had studied the case of hispatient, and prepared the most excellent medicines to save his life, tohearhimcryout, 'Ohehasundoneme!hehaspoisonedme!'becauseitpainshimintheoperation?Owhenwillyoubesubmissive?

4.God respects youasmuch in a low condition—as in ahighcondition; and therefore it neednot somuch trouble you to bemadelow;no,hemanifestsmoreofhislove,graceandtendernessinthetimeofaffliction—thaninthetimeofprosperity.AsGoddidnotatfirstchooseyoubecauseyouwerehigh,hewillnotnowforsakeyoubecauseyouarelow. Men may look shy upon you, and alter their respects as yourcondition is altered; when Providence has blasted your estate, yoursummer-friendsmay grow strange, fearing youmay be troublesome tothem.ButwillGoddoso?No!no!"Iwillneverleaveyounorforsakeyou"says he. If adversity and poverty could bar you from access to God, itwouldindeedbeadeplorablecondition:but,sofarfromthis,youmaygotohimas freely as ever. "MyGodwill hearme," says the church. PoorDavid,whenstrippedofallearthlycomforts,couldencouragehimselfintheLordhisGod;andwhynot you?Supposeyourhusbandor sonhadlost all at sea, and should come to you in rags; could you deny therelation,orrefusetoentertainhim?Ifyouwouldnot,muchlesswillGod.Whythenareyouso troubled?Thoughyourconditionischanged,yourFather'sloveisnotchanged.

5.Whatifbythelossofoutwardcomforts,Godpreservesyoursoulfromtheruiningpoweroftemptation?Surelythenyouhavelittle cause to sink your heart by such sad thoughts. Do not earthlyenjoyments make men shrink in times of trial? For the love of these,manyhaveforsakenChristinsuchanhour.Theyoungruler"wentawaysorrowful, for he had great possessions." If this is God's design, howungratefultomurmuragainsthimforit!Weseemarinersinastormcanthrow over-board the most valuable goods to preserve their lives. Weknow it is usual for soldiers in a besieged city to destroy the finestbuildingsinwhichtheenemymaytakeshelter;andnoonedoubtsthatitiswiselydone.Thosewhohavedecayedlimbswillinglystretchthemoutto be cut off, and not only thank—butpay the surgeon! Must God bemurmuredagainstforcastingoverthatwhichwouldsinkyouinastorm;for pulling down that which would assist your enemy in the siege oftemptation;forcuttingoffwhatwouldendangeryoureverlastinglife?O,inconsiderate,ungratefulman!Arenotthesethingsforwhichyougrieve,theverythingsthathaveruinedthousandsofsouls?

6. It would much support your heart under adversity, toconsider that God by such humbling providences may beaccomplishingthatforwhichyouhavelongprayedandwaited.Andshouldyoube troubledat that?Say,Christian,haveyounotmanyprayerspendingbeforeGoduponsuchaccountsasthese;thathewouldkeep you from sin; that hewould discover to you the emptiness of thecreature; thathewouldmortifyandkillyour lusts; thatyourheartmaynever find rest in any enjoyment but Christ? By such humbling andimpoverishingstrokes,Godmaybefulfillingyourdesires!Wouldyoubekeptfromsin?Lo,hehashedgedupyourwaywiththorns.Wouldyouseethecreature'svanity?Yourafflictionisalookingglasstorevealit;forthevanityofthecreatureisneversoeffectuallyandsensiblydiscovered,asinourownexperience.Wouldyouhaveyourcorruptionsmortified?Thisisthe way—to have the fuel removed which maintained them; for asprosperitybegatandfedthem,soadversity,whensanctified, isameanstokillthem.WouldyouhaveyourheartrestnowherebutinthebosomofGod? What better method could Providence take to accomplish yourdesire, than pulling from under your head that soft pillow of creaturedelights on which you rested before? And yet you fret at this! Peevish

child,howdoyoutryyourFather'spatience!Ifhedelaystoansweryourprayers, you are ready to say that he regards you not. If he does thatwhich really answers the end of your prayers, though not in the waywhich you expect, you murmur against him for that! As if, instead ofanswering,hewerecrossingallyourhopesandaims.Isthissincerity?IsitnotenoughthatGodissograciousastodowhatyoudesire:mustyoubesoimpudentastoexpecthimtodoitinthewaywhichyouprescribe?

7.Itmaysupportyourheart,toconsiderthatinthesetroublesGodisperformingthatworkinwhichyoursoulwouldrejoice—if you did see the design of it. We are clouded with muchignorance,andarenotabletodiscernhowparticularprovidencestendtothe fulfillment of God's designs; and therefore, like Israel in thewilderness,areoftenmurmuring,becauseProvidenceleadsusaboutinahowlingdesert,whereweareexposedtodifficulties;thoughthenheledthem,and isnow leadingus,bytherightway toa cityofhabitation. IfyoucouldbutseehowGodinhissecretcounselhasexactlylaidthewholeplan of your salvation, even to the smallest means and circumstances;could you but discern the admirable harmony of divine dispensations,theirmutualrelations,togetherwiththegeneralrespecttheyallhavetothelastend;hadyoulibertytomakeyourownchoice,youwould,ofallconditionsintheworld,choosethatinwhichyounoware!Providenceislikeacuriouspieceoftapestrymadeofathousandshreds,which,single,appearuseless—butputtogether,theyrepresentabeautifulhistorytotheeye.AsGoddoesall things according to the counsel of his ownwill, ofcoursethisisordainedatthebestmethodtoeffectyoursalvation.Suchaonehasaproudheart—somanyhumblingprovidencesappoint forhim.Suchaonehasanearthlyheart—somanyimpoverishingprovidencesforhim. Did you but see this, I need say no more to support the mostdejectedheart.

8. Itwouldmuch conduce to the settlement of yourheart, toconsiderthatbyfrettinganddiscontent,youdoyourselfmoreinjury than all your afflictions could do.Your own discontent isthatwhicharmsyourtroubleswithasting.Youmakeyourburdenheavy—bystrugglingunder it.Didyoubut liequietlyunder thehandofGod,yourconditionwouldbemuchmore easy than it is. "Impatience in the

sick,bringsseverityinthephysician."ThismakesGodafflictthemore,asa father a stubborn child—who does not receive correction. Beside, itunfitsthesoultoprayoveritstroubles,orreceivethesenseofthatgoodwhichGodintendsbythem.Afflictionisapill,which,beingwrappedupinpatienceandquietsubmission,maybeeasilyshallowed;butdiscontentchewsthepill,andsoembittersthesoul.Godthrowsawaysomecomfortwhichhesawwouldhurtyou—andyouwillthrowawayyourpeaceafterit? He shoots an arrow which sticks in your clothes, and was neverintended tohurt—butonly todrive you fromsin; andyouwill thrust itdeeper, to the piercing of your very heart, by despondency anddiscontent.

9. If your heart (like that of Rachel) still refuses to becomforted,thendoonethingmore:comparetheconditionyouarenowin,andwithwhichyouaresomuchdissatisfied,withtheconditioninwhichothersare,andinwhichyoudeservetobe. "Others are roaring in flames, howling under the scourge ofvengeance—andamongthemIdeservetobe!Omysoul, is thishell? Ismyconditionasbadasthatofthedamned?Whatwouldthousandsnowinhellgivetoexchangeconditionswithme!"Ihaveread(saysanauthor)that when the Duke of Conde had voluntarily subjected himself to theinconveniencesofpoverty,hewasonedayobservedandpitiedbyanobleof Italy, who from tenderness wished him to be more careful of hisperson.Thegooddukeanswered,"Sir,benottroubled,anddonotthinkthat I suffer from need; for I send a harbinger beforeme, whomakesready my lodgings and takes care that I am royally entertained." Thenobleaskedhimwhowashisharbinger?Heanswered,"Theknowledgeofmyself,andtheconsiderationofwhatIdeserve formysins,whichiseternal torment; when with this knowledge I arrive at my lodging,howeverunprovidedIfindit—methinksitismuchbetterthanIdeserve.Whydoes the livingman complain?" Thus the heartmay be kept fromdespondingorrepiningunderadversity.

InSeasonsofZion'sTroubles

The next season calling for more than ordinary diligence tokeeptheheart—isthetimeofZion'stroubles.WhentheChurch,like the ship in which Christ and his disciples were, is oppressed andreadytoperishinthewavesofpersecution,thengoodsoulsarereadytobeshipwreckedtoo,uponthebillowsof theirownfears.It is true,mostmenneed the spur rather than the reins in this case; yet somemen sitdowndiscouragedunderasenseoftheChurch'stroubles.ThelossofthearkcostElihis life; thesadposture inwhichJerusalemlay,madegoodNehemiah's countenance change in the midst of all the pleasures andaccommodationsofthecourt.ButthoughGodallows,yes,commandsthemost awakened apprehensions of these calamities, and in "such a daycalls to mourning, weeping, and girding with sackcloth," and severelythreatenstheinsensibleones;yetitwillnotpleasehimtoseeyousitlikepensiveElijahunderthe juniper tree. "Ah,LordGod! It isenough, takeawaymylifealso."No!AmournerinZionyoumayandoughttobe—buta self-tormentor you must not be! Complain to God you may—butcomplainofGod(thoughbutbythelanguageofyouractions)youmustnot.

Now let us inquire how tender hearts may be relieved and supported,when they are even overwhelmedwith the burdensome sense of Zion'stroubles? Igrant it ishard forhimwhoprefersZion tohis chief joy, tokeephisheartthatitsinknotbelowtheduesenseofitstroubles;yetthisought to, and may be done, by the use of such heart-establishingdirectionsasthese:

1.Settle thisgreat truth inyourheart—thatnotroublebefallsZion but by the permission of Zion's God; and he permitsnothingoutofwhichhewillnotultimatelybringmuchgoodtohispeople.Comfortmaybederivedfromreflectionsonthepermitting,aswellasonthecommandingwillofGod."Lethimalone,itmaybeGodhasbiddenhim." "You couldhavenopower againstme, except itweregivenyoufromabove."Itshouldmuchcalmourhearts—thatitisthewillofGod toallow it; and that,hadhenot allowed it—it couldneverhavebeen as it is. This very consideration quieted Job, Eli, David, andHezekiah.ThattheLorddidit—wasenoughtothem:andwhyshoulditnotbe so tous? If theLordwillhaveZionploughedasa field,andher

goodly stones lie in thedust; if it be his pleasure thatAnti-Christ shallrageyetlongerandwearoutthesaintsoftheMostHigh;ifitbehiswillthatadayoftrouble,andoftreadingdown,andofperplexitybytheLordAlmighty,shallbeuponthevalleyofvision,thatthewickedshalldevourthe man that is more righteous than he; what are we, that we shouldcontendwithGod?Itisfitthatweshouldberesignedtothatwillwhencewe proceeded, and that He who made us should dispose of us as hepleases!Hemaydowhatseemsgoodtohim—withoutourconsent.Doespoor man stand upon equal ground, that he may contend with hisCreator;orthatGodshouldrenderhimanaccountofanyofhismatters?Thatwebecontent,howeverGodmaydisposeofus—isasreasonableasthatwebeobedient,whateverhemayrequireofus.

But if we pursue this argument farther, and consider that God'spermissionsallmeetatlastintherealgoodofhispeople,thiswillmuchmore quiet our spirits. Do the enemies carry away the best among thepeople into captivity?This looks like a distressing providence; butGodsendsthemtherefortheirgood.DoesGodtaketheAssyrianasarodinhishand,tobeathispeoplewith?Theendofhissodoingis,"thathemayaccomplish hiswholework uponMount Zion." If God can bringmuchgoodoutofthegreatestevilofsin,muchmoreoutoftemporalafflictions;andthathewill, isasevidentasthathecandoso.Foritisinconsistentwiththewisdomofacommonmantopermitanything(whichhemightprevent ifhepleased) to crosshis greatdesign; and can it be imaginedthat the most wise God should do so? As, then, Luther said toMelanchthon, so say I to you: "Let infinite wisdom, power and lovealone!" for by these all creatures are swayed, and all actions guided, inreference to the church. It is not our work to rule the world—but tosubmittoHimwhodoesruletheworld!ThemotionsofProvidenceareall judicious, thewheels are full of eyes: it is enough that the affairs ofZionareinagood,wiseandpowerfulhand!

2.Ponderthisheart-supportingtruth:howevermanytroublesareuponZion—yetherKingisinher.What!HastheLordforsakenhischurches?Hashesoldthemintotheenemy'shands?Doeshenotseewhat evil befalls them, that our hearts sink thus? Is it not shamefullyundervaluing the great God, and too much magnifying poor impotent

man—tofearandtrembleatcreatures,whileGod is in themidstofus?Thechurch'senemiesaremanyandmighty:letthatbegranted—yetthatargumentwithwhichCalebandJoshuastrovetoraisetheirownhearts,isofasmuchforcenowasitwasthen:"TheLordiswithus—donotfearthem!"

A historian tells us, that when Antigonus overheard his soldiersreckoning how many their enemies were, and so discouraging oneanother, he suddenly stepped in among themwith this question, "Andhowmanydoyoureckonmefor?"Discouragedsouls,howmanydoyoureckontheLordfor? Ishenotanovermatch forallhisenemies? IsnotoneAlmightymore thanmanymighties? "IfGod is forus—whocanbeagainst use"What think you was the reason of that great examinationGideonmade?He questions, he desires a sign, and after that, anothersign.Andwhatwastheendofallthis—butthathemightbesuretheLordwaswithhim, and thathemightbutwrite thismottouponhis ensign:"TheswordoftheLordandofGideon!"SoifyoucanbewellassuredtheLord is with his people, you will thereby rise above all yourdiscouragements: and that he is so, you need not require a sign fromheaven;lo,youhaveasignbeforeyou,eventheirmarvelouspreservationamidalltheirenemies.IfGodbenotwithhispeople,howisitthattheyare not swallowedup quickly?Do their enemies lackmalice, power, oropportunity?No—butthereisaninvisiblehanduponthem!Letthenhispresencegiveusrest;andthoughthemountainsbehurledintothesea,thoughheavenandearthmingletogether—fearnot—GodisinthemidstofZion,sheshallnotbemoved!

3.ConsiderthegreatadvantagesattendingthepeopleofGodinanafflictedcondition. Ifa lowandanafflictedstate in theworld, isreallybestforthechurch,thenyourdejectionisnotonlyirrational—butungrateful. Indeed, if you estimate the happiness of the church by itsworldlyease,splendorandprosperity—thensuchtimesofafflictionwillappear to be unfavorable. But if you reckon its glory to consist in itshumility,faith,andheavenly-mindedness,noconditionsomuchaboundswith advantages for these—as an afflicted condition. It was notpersecutions and prisons—but worldliness and prosperity, whichpoisonedthechurch!Neitherwas it theearthlygloryof itsprofessors—

butthebloodofitsmartyrs,whichwastheseedofthechurch.Thepowerofgodlinessdidneverthrivebetterthaninaffliction,andwasneverlessthrivingthanintimesofgreatestprosperity!When"weareleftasapoorandafflictedpeople,thenwelearntotrustinthenameoftheLord."

It is indeed for the saints' advantage to be weaned from love of, anddelightin,ensnaringearthlyvanities;tobequickenedandurgedforwardwith more haste to heaven; to have clearer discoveries of their ownhearts;tobetaughttopraymorefervently,frequently,spiritually;tolookand long for the heavenly rest more ardently. If these are for theiradvantage,experience teachesus thatnocondition isordinarilyblessedwithsuchfruitsasthese,likeanafflictedcondition.

Is it well then to repine and droop, because your Father consults theadvantage of your soul, rather than the gratification of your fleshlydesires?Isitwellthentorepineanddroop,becausehewillbringyoutoheavenbyanearerwaythanyouarewillingtogo?Isthisaduerequitalofhislove,whoispleasedsomuchtoconcernhimselfinyourwelfare—whodoesmoreforyouthanhewilldoforthousandsintheworld,uponwhomhewill not lay a rod, or dispense an affliction to them for theirgood? But alas! We judge by sense, and reckon things good or evil,accordingtoourpresenttaste!

4.TakeheedthatyouoverlooknotthemanypreciousmercieswhichthepeopleofGodenjoyamidalltheirtrouble.Itisapitythatourtearsonaccountofourtroublesshouldsoblindoureyes—thatweshouldnotseeourmercies!Therearemanyoutwardcomfortswhichyoupresentlyenjoy—abovewhatwereenjoyedbyChristandhispreciousservants, of whom the world was not worthy. What do you think ofpardonofsin;asavinginterestinChrist;thecovenantofpromise;andaneternity of happiness in the presence of God—after these few sufferingdaysareover?Othatapeopleentitledtosuchmerciesasthese,shoulddroop under any temporal affliction, or be somuch concerned for thefrownsofmen, and the loss of trifles!Youhavenot the smiles of greatmen—but you have the favor of the great God; you are perhapsdiminished in temporal mercies—but you are thereby increased inspiritualandeternalmercies.Youcannotlivesoplentifullyasbefore;butyou may live as heavenly as ever. Will you grieve so much for these

circumstances as to forget your substantial eternalmercies? Shall lighttroublesmakeyouforgetweightymercies?Remember,thetruerichesofthechurcharelaidoutofthereachofallenemies.WhatthoughGoddoesnot in his outward dispensations distinguish between his own andothers?Yes,whatthoughhisjudgmentssingleoutthebest,andsparetheworst?WhatthoughanAbeliskilled,andaCainsurvives?WhatthoughabloodyDionysius dies peacefully in his bed, and a good Josiah falls inbattle?Whatthoughthebellyofthewickedisfilledwithworldlydainties,and the teeth of the saints are filled with gravel-stones? Still there ismuch matter of praise; for electing love has distinguished, thoughcommonprovidencehasnot!Andwhileprosperityandimpunityslaythewicked,evenslayingandadversityshallbenefitandsavetherighteous.

5. Believe that however low the church is plunged under thewatersofadversity—sheshallassuredlyriseagain!Fearnot;foras surely as Christ arose the third day, notwithstanding the seal andguardoverhim;sosurelyZionshallariseoutofallhertroubles,andliftuphervictoriousheadoverallherenemies.Thereisnoreasontofeartheruin of that people who thrive by their losses, and multiply by beingdiminished.Benottoohastytoburythechurchbeforesheisdead;stayuntilChristhas triedhisskill,beforeyougiveherup for lost.Thebushmaybeallinaflame—butshallneverbeconsumed;andthatbecauseofthegoodwillofHimwhodwellsinit.

6.RemembertheinstancesofGod'scareandtendernessoverhispeople in formerdifficulties.For over eighteen hundred yearstheChristian churchhas been in affliction, and yet it is not consumed.Manyawaveofpersecutionhasgoneoverit—yetitisnotdrowned.Manydevices have been formed against it, hitherto none of them hasprospered.This isnot the first timethatHamansandAhithophelshaveplotteditsruin;thataHerodhasstretchedouthishandtovexit;stillithas been preserved from, supported under, or delivered out of—all itstroubles.IsitnotasdeartoGodasever?Ishenotasabletosaveitnowasformerly?Thoughweknownotwhencedeliveranceshouldarise,"yettheLordknowshowtodeliverthegodlyoutoftemptations."

7. If you can derive no comfort from any of theseconsiderations, try to draw some comfort out of your very

trouble.Surelythistroubleofyoursisagoodevidenceofyourintegrity.Ifyouhadnotsomerichtreasureinthatship,youwouldnottrembleasyoudowhenitisindanger.Besidethisframeofspiritmayaffordyouthisconsolation, that if youaresosensibleofZion's trouble,JesusChrist ismuchmore sensibleof and solicitousabout it thanyou canbe—andhewillhaveaneyeoffavoruponthosewhomournforit.

InSeasonsofDanger

The next season requiring our utmost diligence to keep ourhearts—is the time of danger, and public disturbance. In suchtimesthebestheartsaretooapttobesurprisedbyslavishfear.IfSyriaisconfederatewithEphraim,howdotheheartsofthehouseofDavidshake—evenasthetreesoftheforestareshakenwiththewind.Whenthereareominoussignsintheheavens,orthedistressofnationswithperplexity,theseaandthewavesroaring—thentheheartsofmenfail for fear,andforlookingafterthosethingswhicharecomingontheearth.EvenaPaulmay sometimes complain of "fightings within, when there are fearswithout."

But,mybrethren, thesethingsoughtnotsotobe;saintsshouldbeofamore elevated spirit; so was David when his heart was kept in a goodframe: "TheLord ismy light andmy salvation,whomshall I fear?TheLordisthestrengthofmylife,ofwhomshallIbeafraid?"Letnonebuttheservantsofsin,betheslavesoffear;letthosewhohavedelightedinevil,fearevil.LetnotthatwhichGodhasthreatenedasajudgmentuponthe wicked, ever seize upon the hearts of the righteous. "I will sendfaintnessintotheirheartsinthelandoftheirenemies,andthesoundofashakingleafshallchasethem."Whatpoorspiritedmenarethose,toflyata shaking leaf! A leaf makes a pleasant, not a terrible noise; it makesindeed a kind of natural music: but to a guilty conscience even thewhistlingleavesaredrumsandtrumpets!

"ButGodhasnotgivenusthespiritof fear—butof loveandofa sound

mind." A sound mind, as it stands there in opposition to fear, is anunwounded conscience notweakened by guilt: and this shouldmake amanasboldasalion.Iknowitcannotbesaidofasaint,asGodsaidofleviathan, that he ismadewithout fear; there is a natural fear in everyman,and it isas impossible toremove itwholly,as toremovethebodyitself.Fearisperturbationofthemind,arisingfromtheapprehensionofapproaching danger; and as long as dangers can approach us,we shallfindsomeperturbationswithinus. It isnotmypurposetocommendtoyou a stoical apathy, nor yet to dissuade you from such a degree ofcautionarypreventivefearasmayfityoufortroubleandbeserviceabletoyoursoul.Thereisaprovidentfearthatopensoureyestoforeseedanger,andquickensustoaprudentandlawfuluseofmeanstopreventit:suchwasJacob'sfear,andsuchhisprudencewhenexpectingtomeethisangrybrotherEsau.But it isthefearofdistrust, fromwhichIwoulddissuadeyou—thattyrannicalpassionwhichinvadestheheartintimesofdanger,distracts, weakens and unfits it for duty, drives men upon unlawfulmeans,andbringsasnarewithit.

Nowletus inquirehowaChristianmaykeephisheart fromdistractingandtormentingfearsintimesofgreatandthreateningdangers.Thereareseveral excellent rules for keeping the heart from sinful fear, whenimminentdangersthreatenus:

1.LookuponallcreaturesasinthehandofGod,whomanagestheminalltheirmotions—limiting,restrainingandregulatingthemathispleasure.Getthisgreattruthwellsettledbyfaithinyourheart—and it will guard you against slavish fears. The first chapter ofEzekiel contains an admirable picture of Providence: there you see theliving creatures whomove the wheels (that is, the great revolutions ofthings here below) coming unto Christ, who sits upon the throne, toreceive new instructions from him. In Revelation 6, you read of white,black, and red horses—which are but the instruments God employs inexecuting judgments in theworld—such aswars, pestilence, anddeath.Whenthesehorsesareprancingandtramplingupanddownintheworld,here isaconsideration thatmayquietourhearts—Godhas the reins inhishand!Wickedmenaresometimeslikemadhorses,theywouldstampthe people of God under their feet—but the bridle of Providence is in

theirmouths!Alionat libertyisterribletomeet—butwhoisafraidofalioninthekeeper'shand?

2.RememberthatthisGodinwhosehandareallcreatures,isyourFather,andismuchmoretenderofyou—thanyouare,orcan be, of yourself. "He who touches you, touches the apple of myeye."Letmeaskthemosttimorouswomanwhetherthereisnotagreatdifference between the sight of a drawn sword in the hand of a bloodyruffian,andofthesameswordinthehandofherowntenderhusband?Asgreatadifferencethereisbetweenlookinguponcreaturesbyaneyeofsense,andlookingonthem,asinthehandofyourGod,byaneyeoffaith.Isaiah,54:5,ishereveryappropriate:"YourMakerisyourhusband,theLordAlmightyishisname;"heisLordofallthecreatures.Whowouldbeafraidtopassthroughanarmy,thoughallthesoldiersshouldturntheirswords and guns toward him, if the commander of that armywere hisfriendorfather?

Apiousyoungmanbeingat seawithmanyotherpassengers inagreatstorm,andtheybeinghalfdeadwithfear,heonlywasobservedtobeverycheerful, as if hewere but little concerned in that danger; one of themdemandingthereasonofhischeerfulness,"O,"saidhe,"itisbecausethepilot of the ship is my Father!" Consider Christ first as the King andsupreme Lord over the providential kingdom; and then as your head,husbandandfriend—andyouwillquicklysay,"Returnuntoyourrest,Omysoul."Thistruthwillmakeyouceasetrembling,andcauseyoutosinginthemidstofdanger,"TheLordisKingofalltheearth,singpraisewithunderstanding." That is, 'Let everyone that has understanding of thisheart-reviving and establishing doctrine of the dominion of our Fatheroverallcreatures,singpraise.'

3.Urgeuponyourheart theexpressprohibitionsofChrist inthis case, and let your heart stand in awe of the violation ofthem.Hehaschargedyounottofear:"Whenweshallhearofwarsandcommotions, see that you be not terrified." "In nothing be terrified byyouradversaries." InMatthew10,within thecompassofsixverses,ourSavior commandsus thrice "not to fearmen."Does the voiceof amanmakeyoutotremble,andshallnotthevoiceofGod?Ifyouareofsuchatimorousspirit,how is it thatyou fearnot todisobey thecommandsof

Jesus Christ? Methinks the command of Christ should have as muchpowertocalm,asthevoiceofapoorwormtoterrifyyourheart!"I,evenI,amhewhocomfortsyou:whoareyou, thatyoushouldbeafraidofamanthatshalldie,andofthesonofmanthatshallbemadeasthegrass,andforgettheLordyourMaker?"Wecannotfearcreaturessinfully,untilwehaveforgottenGod.DidwerememberwhatGodis,andwhathehassaid—wewouldnotbeofsuch feeble spirits.Bringyourself then to thisreflection in times of danger: 'If I let intomy heart the slavish fear ofman,ImustletoutthereverentialaweandfearofGod;anddareIcastoffthefearoftheAlmightyforthefrownsofaman?ShallIliftupprouddust above the great God? Shall I run upon a certain sin, to shun aprobabledanger?'Okeepyourheartbythisconsideration!

4.Rememberhowmuchneedlesstroubleyourvainfearshavebroughtuponyouformerly."Andhavefearedcontinuallybecauseoftheoppressor,asifhewerereadytodevour;andwhereisthefuryoftheoppressor?"Heseemedreadytodevour—yetyouarenotdevoured.Ihavenot brought upon you the thing that you feared; you havewasted yourspirit,disorderedyoursoul,andweakenedyourhandstonopurpose:youmighthaveallthiswhileenjoyedyourpeace,andpossessedyoursoulinpatience.AndhereIcannotbutobserveaverywilystrategyofSataninmanagingadesignagainstthesoulbythesevainfears.Icallthemvain,withreferencetothefrustrationofthembyProvidence;butcertainlytheyarenotinvainastheendatwhichSatanaimsinraisingthem;forhereinhe acts as soldiers do in the siege of a garrison, who to wear out thebesieged by constant watchings, and thereby unfit them to makeresistancewhen they storm it in earnest, every night rouse them withfalsealarms,whichthoughtheycometonothing,yetremarkablyanswerthe ultimate design of the enemy. O when will you beware of Satan'sdevices?

5. Consider solemnly, that though the things you fear shouldreallyhappen—yetthereismoreevilinyourownfear—thaninthethingsfeared!And that, not only as the least evil of sin isworsethanthegreatestevilofsuffering;butasthissinfulfearhasreallymoretrouble in it than there is in that condition of which you are so muchafraid!Fearisbothamultiplyingandatormentingpassion;itrepresents

troubles asmuch greater than they are—and so tortures the soulmuchmorethanthesufferingitself.SoitwaswithIsraelattheRedSea;theycriedoutandwereafraid,until theystepped into thewater,and thenapassagewasopenedthroughthosewaterswhichtheythoughtwouldhavedrowned them.Thus it iswithus;we, looking through the telescopeofcarnalfearuponthewatersoftrouble,theswellingsofJordan,cryout,'Otheyareunfordable;wemustperishinthem!'Butwhenwecomeintothemidstofthosefloodsindeed,wefindthepromisemadegood:"Godwillmakeawaytoescape."

Thusitwaswithablessedmartyr;whenhewouldmakeatrialbyputtinghis finger to the candle, and found himself not able to endure that, hecriedout,"What!CannotIbeartheburningofafinger?HowthenshallIbeabletobeartheburningofmywholebodytomorrow?"Butwhenthattomorrowcame,hecouldgocheerfullyintotheflameswiththisscriptureinhismouth: "Fearnot, for Ihave redeemedyou; Ihave called youbyyourname,youaremine;whenyoupassthroughthewatersIwillbewithyou;whenyouwalkthroughthefireyoushallnotbeburnt."

6.Consult themanypreciouspromiseswhicharewritten foryoursupportandcomfortinalldangers.Theseareyourrefugestowhichyoumayflyandbesafewhenthearrowsofdanger flybynight,anddestructionwastesatnoon-day.Thereareparticularpromisessuitedto particular cases and exigencies; there are also general promisesreachingallcases and conditions. Such as these: "All things shallworktogetherforgood,"etc."ItshallbewellwiththosewhofeartheLord,"etc.Could you but believe the promises, your heart should be established.CouldyoubutpleadthemwithGodasJacobdid,("Yousaid,Iwillsurelydoyougood,"&c.)theywouldrelieveyouineverydistress.

7.QuietyourtremblingheartbyrecordingandconsultingyourpastexperiencesofthecareandfaithfulnessofGodinformerdistresses.Theseexperiencesarefoodforyourfaithinawilderness.BythisDavidkepthisheartintimeofdanger,andPaulhis.Itwasansweredbyasaint,whenonetoldhimthathisenemieswaitingtotakehislife:"IfGodtakesnocareofme,howisitthatIhaveescapedhitherto?"YoumaypleadwithGod old experiences for newones: for it is in pleadingwithGodfornewdeliverances,asitisinpleadingfornewpardons.Markhow

Moses pleads of that account with God. "Pardon, I beseech you, theiniquityofthispeople,asyouhaveforgiventhemfromEgyptuntilnow."Hedoesnotsayasmendo,'Lord,thisisthefirstfault,youhavenotbeentroubled before to sign their pardon.' But, 'Lord, because you havepardoned themsooften—Ibeseechyoupardon themonceagain.'So innewdifficultiesletthesaintsay,'Lord,youhaveoftenheard,helpedandsaved, in former years; therefore now help again, forwith you there isplenteousredemption,andyourarmisnotshortened.'

8.Bewell satisfied that youare in thewayof yourduty—andthatwillbegetholycourage intimesofdanger."Whowill harmyou—ifyouareafollowerofthatwhichisgood?"Orifanydareattempttoharmyou "youmayboldly commityourself toGod inwell-doing." Itwas this consideration that raisedLuther's spirit above all fear: "In thecauseofGod(saidhe)Ieveram,andevershallbestout:hereinIassumethistitle,'Iyieldtonone!'"Agoodcausewillbearupaman'sspirit.Hearthesayingofaheathen, to theshameofcowardlyChristians.WhentheemperorVespasianhadcommandedFluidusPriseusnot tocometo thesenate,orifhedidcome,tospeaknothingbutwhathewouldhavehimspeak;thesenatorreturnedthisnobleanswer,"thathewasasenator,itwasfitheshouldbeatthesenate;andifbeingthere,hewererequiredtogive his advice, he would freely speak that which his consciencecommandedhim."The emperor threatening that thenhewoulddie;heanswered,"DidIevertellyouthatIwasimmortal?Youdowhatyouwill—and I will do what I ought. It is in your power to put me to deathunjustly, and in my power to die with constancy." Righteousness is abreastplate:letthemtremble,whomdangerfindsoutofthewayofduty.

9.GetyourconsciencesprinkledwiththebloodofChristfromallguilt,andthatwillsetyourheartaboveallfear.Itisguiltupontheconsciencewhichsoftensandmakescowardspeople."Therighteousareasboldasa lion."Itwasguilt inCain'sconsciencewhichmadehimcry, "everyone that findsmewill slayme!"A guilty conscience ismoreterrifiedbyimagineddangers,thanapureconscienceisbyrealones!Aguiltysinnercarriesawitnessagainsthimself inhisownbosom.ItwasguiltyHerod criedout, "JohnBaptisthas risen from thedead"Aguiltyconscienceisthedevil'sanvil,onwhichhefabricatesallthoseswordsand

spearswithwhichtheguiltysinnerpierceshimself.Guiltistodangers—what fire is to gun-powder: aman need not fear to walk amongmanybarrelsofpowder,ifhehasnofireabouthim.

10. Exercise holy trust in times of great distress. Make it yourbusiness to trustGodwithyour life and comforts—and thenyourheartwillbeatrestaboutthem.SodidDavid,"AtwhattimeIamafraidIwilltrust in you:" that is, 'Lord, if at any time a stormarises, Iwill shelterfrom it under the covert of yourwings.'Go toGodby acts of faith andtrust, and never doubt that he will secure you. "You will keep him inperfect peace,whosemind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you,"saysIsaiah.Godispleasedwhenyoucometohimthus:'Father,mylife,mylibertyandmyestateareexposed,andIcannotsecurethem;Oletmeleavetheminyourhand!'

ThepoorleaveshimselfwithGod;anddoeshisGodfailhim?No,youarethehelperofthefatherless:thatis,youarethehelperofthedestituteone,whohasnone togo tobutGod.This isacomfortingpassage, "He shallnotbeafraidofevil tidings;hisheart is fixed, trusting in theLord."Hedoesnotsay,hisearshallbepreservedfromthereportofevilthings,hemayhearas sad tidingsasothermen—buthisheart shall be kept fromtheterrorofthosetidings;hisheartisfixed.

11. Consult the honor of religion more, and your personalsafetyless.Doyouthinkit is forthehonorofreligion, thatChristiansshouldbeas timorousashares, to startle at every sound?Willnot thiscausetheworldtothink,thatwhateveryoutalk—yetyourprinciplesareno better than other men's?What mischief may the discovery of yourfearsbeforethemdo!ItwasnoblysaidbyNehemiah,"ShouldsuchamanasIflee?"Wereitnotbetteryoushoulddie,thanthattheworldshouldbeprejudiced againstChrist by your fearful example?For alas! howapt istheworld(who judgemorebywhat theysee inyourpractices—thanbywhattheyunderstandofyourprinciples)toconcludefromyourtimidity,that howevermuch you commend faith and talk of assurance—yet youdaretrusttothosethingsnomorethanthey,whenitcomestothetrial.Oletnotyourfearslaysuchastumbling-blockbeforetheblindworld!

12.Hewhowouldsecurehisheartfromfear,mustfirstsecure

the eternal interest of his soul—in the hands of Jesus Christ.When this isdone, youmay say, 'Now,world—doyourworst!'Youwillnotbeverysolicitousaboutyourvilebody—whenyouareonceassureditshallbewell to all eternitywith your precious soul. "Do not fear those(saysChrist)whocankillthebody,andafterthathavenomorethattheycan do." The assured Christian may smile with contempt upon all hisenemies,andsay, 'Is this theworst that youcando?'Whatdoyou say,Christian?Areyouassuredthatyoursoulissafe;thatimmediatelyuponyourdeath—itshallbereceivedbyChristintoaneverlastinghabitation?If yoube sure of that, never trouble yourself about the instrumentandmeansofyourdeath!

13. Learn to quench all slavish creature-fears, in thereverentialfearofGod.Thisisacurebydiversion.ItisanexerciseofChristian wisdom to turn those passions of the soul which mostpredominate, into spiritual channels. The Christian must turn naturalanger into spiritual zeal, natural mirth into holy cheerfulness, andnaturalfearintoaholydreadandaweofGod.ThismethodofcureChristprescribes in the 10th chapter of Matthew; similar to which is Isaiah,8:12,13,"Donotfearwhattheyfear,anddonotdreadit."'Buthowshallwehelpit?'"TheLordAlmightyistheoneyouaretoregardasholy,heistheoneyouaretofear,heistheoneyouaretodread."Naturalfearmaybe allayed for the present by natural reason, or the removal of theoccasion;butthenitislikeacandleblownoutbyapuffofbreath,whichiseasilyblowninagain.But if the fearofGodextinguishes it, then it islikeacandlequenchedinwater,whichcannoteasilyberekindled.

14.PourouttoGodinprayer—thosefearswhichthedevilandyourownunbeliefpourinuponyou,intimesofdanger.Prayeristhebestoutlettofear!WhereistheChristianwhocannotsethissealtothisdirection? Iwill give you thegreatest example to encourageyou tocompliance, even the example of Jesus Christ. When the hour of hisdangeranddeathdrewnear,hewentintothegarden,separatedfromhisdisciples, and there wrestled mightily with God in prayer, even untoagony; in reference to which the apostle says, "who in the days of hisflesh,whenhehadofferedupprayersandsupplications,withstrongcriesand tears, to him who was able to save from death, and was heard,

becausehefeared."Hewasheardastostrengthandsupporttocarryhimthrough it; though not as to deliverance, or exemption from it. O thatthesethingsmayabidewithyou,andbereducedtopracticeintheseevildays—andthatmanytremblingbelieversmaybeestablishedbythem.

InSeasonsofNeed

Thenextseasonrequiringdiligenceinkeepingtheheart—isthetime of OUTWARD NEEDS. Although at such times we shouldcomplain toGod, not of God, (the throne of grace being erected for a"timeofneed,")yetwhenthewatersofreliefrunlow,andneedbeginstopress—howpronearethebestheartstodistrustthefountain!Whenthemealinthebarrelandtheoilinthecrusearealmostspent,ourfaithandpatiencearealmostspentalso.It isnowdifficult tokeeptheproudandunbelievingheartinaholyquietudeandsweetsubmissionatthefootofGod.ItisaneasythingtotalkoftrustingGodfordailybread,whilewehaveafullbarnorpurse;buttosayastheprophet,"Eventhoughthefigtreeshavenoblossoms,andtherearenograpesonthevine;eventhoughtheolivecropfails,andthefieldslieemptyandbarren;eventhoughtheflocksdieinthefields,andthecattlebarnsareempty,yetIwillrejoiceintheLord!IwillbejoyfulintheGodofmysalvation.TheSovereignLordismy strength!Hewillmakeme as surefooted as a deer andbringmesafelyoverthemountains!"Habakkuk3:17-19.Surelythisisnoteasy.

Would you know then how a Christian may keep his heart fromdistrustingGod,orrepiningagainsthim,whenoutwardneedsareeitherfelt or feared? The case deserves to be seriously considered, especiallynow,sinceitseemstobethedesignofProvidencetoemptythepeopleofGodoftheircreaturefullness,andacquaintthemwiththosedifficultiestowhichhitherto theyhavebeenaltogetherstrangers.Tosecure theheartfrom the dangers attending this condition, these considerations may,throughtheblessingoftheSpirit,proveeffectual:

1. If God reduces you to necessities, he therein deals no

otherwisewithyou,thanhehasdonewithsomeoftheholiestmenwhoeverlived.Yourconditionisnotsingular; thoughyouhavehitherto been a stranger to need, other saints have been familiarlyacquaintedwithit.

HearwhatPaulsays,notofhimselfonly—butinthenameofothersaintsreduced to like exigencies: "Even to the present hour,we both hungerandthirstandarenaked,andarebuffeted,andhavenocertaindwelling-place."ToseesuchamanasPaulgoingupanddowntheworldnaked,andhungry, andhomeless; onewhowas so far aboveyou in grace andholiness;onewhodidmore service forGod inaday, thanperhapsyouhavedoneinallyourdays—maywellputanendtoyourrepining!

Have you forgotten how much even aDavid has suffered? How greatwere his difficulties? "Give, I pray you", says he to Nabal, "whatevercomestoyourhand,toyourservants,andtoyoursonDavid."ButwhydoIspeakofthese?Beholdagreaterthananyofthem,eventheSonofGod,who is the heir of all things, and by whom the worlds were made,sometimes would have been glad for anything, having nothing to eat."Andonthemorrow,whentheywerecomefromBethany,hewashungry;andseeingafig-treeafaroff,leavingleaves,hecame,ifperhapshemightfindanythingthereon."

Hereby thenGodhas setnomarkof hatredupon you,neither can youinferlackoflove—fromlackofbread.Whenyourrepiningheartputsthequestion,'Wasthereeversorrowlikeuntomine?'asktheseworthies,andtheywilltellyouthatthoughtheydidnotcomplainasyoudo—yettheirconditionwasasnecessitousasyouris!

2. Since God leaves you not in this condition without apromise, you have no reason to repine or despond under it.Thatisasadconditionindeedtowhichnopromisebelongs.Calvininhiscomment on Isaiah 9:1, explains in what sense the darkness of thecaptivitywasnotsogreatasthatofthelesserincursionsmadebyTiglathPileser.Inthecaptivity,thecitywasdestroyedandthetempleburntwithfire:therewasnocomparisonintheaffliction—yetthedarknesswasnotsogreat,because,sayshe,"therewasacertainpromisemadeinthiscase—butnoneintheother."Itisbettertobeaslowashellwithapromise,

thantobeinparadisewithoutone.Eventhedarknessofhellitselfwouldbe no darkness comparatively at all, were there but a promise toenlightenit.

Now,Godhasleftmanysweetpromisesforthefaithofhispoorpeopletoliveuponinthiscondition,suchasthese:"OfeartheLord,youhissaints,forthereisnolacktothosewhofearhim;thelionslackandsufferhunger—butthosewhofeartheLordshallnotlackanygoodthing.""TheeyeoftheLordisupontherighteous—tokeepthemaliveinfamine.""Nogoodthingwillhewithhold fromthosewhowalkuprightly.""HewhosparednothisownSon—butdeliveredhimupforusall—howshallhenotwithhimalso freely giveus all things?" "When thepoor and theneedy seekwater,andthereisnone,andtheirtonguefailsforthirst—ItheLordwillhearthem,ItheGodofIsraelwillnotforsakethem."Hereyouseetheirextreme needs, water being put for their necessaries of life; and theircertain relief, "I the Lordwill hear them!" inwhich it is supposed thatthey cry unto him in their distress—and he hears their cry. Havingthereforethesepromises,whyshouldnotyourdistrustfulheartconcludelikeDavid's,"TheLordismyshepherd—IhaveeverythingIneed!"

'But thesepromises implyconditions: if theywereabsolute, theywouldaffordmore satisfaction.'What are those tacit conditions of which youspeakbutthese,thathewilleithersupplyorsanctifyyourneeds;thatyoushallhave somuchasGodsees fit for you?Anddoes this troubleyou?Wouldyouhavethemercy,whethersanctifiedornot?whetherGodseesitfitforyouornot?Theappetitesofsaintsafterearthlythingswouldnotbesoravenousastoseizegreedilyuponanyenjoymentwithoutregardingcircumstances.

'Butwhenneedspress,andI seenotwhencesupplies shouldcome,myfaith in thepromiseshakes,andI, likemurmuringIsrael,cry,"Hegavebread, can he give water also?" O unbelieving heart! when did hispromises fail? whoever trusted them and was ashamed?May not Godupbraidyouwith yourunreasonable infidelity, as in Jer. 2: 31, "Have Ibeenawildernessuntoyou?"OrasChristsaid tohisdisciples, "SinceIwas with you—have you lacked anything?" Yes, may you not upbraidyourself;mayyounot saywithgoodoldPolycarp, "Thesemanyyears IhaveservedChrist—andfoundhimagoodMaster!"

Indeedhemaydenywhatyourwantonness—butnotwhatyourneedcallsfor.Hewillnotregardthecryofyourlusts,buthewillnotdespisethecryof your faith: thoughhewillnot indulge yourwantonappetites—yethewillnotviolatehisown faithfulpromises.Thesepromisesareyourbestsecurity foreternal life;and it isstrange theyshouldnotsatisfyyoufordailybread.RememberthewordsoftheLord,andsolaceyourheartwiththem amid all your needs. It is said of Epicurus, that in dreadfulparoxysmsofthecolicheoftenrefreshedhimselfbycallingtomindhisinventionsinphilosophy;andofPossodoniusthephilosopher,thatinanacute disorder he solaced himselfwith discourses onmoral virtue; andwhendistressed,hewouldsay,"Opain,youdonothing;thoughyouarealittle troublesome, I will never confess you to be evil." If upon suchgrounds as these, they could support themselves under such rackingpains,andevendeludedtheirdiseasesbythem;howmuchrathershouldthepromisesofGod, and the sweet experienceswhichhavegonealongstepbystepwiththem,makeyouforgetallyourneeds,andcomfortyouineverydifficulty?

3.Ifitisbadnow—itmighthavebeenworse.HasGoddeniedyouthe comforts of this life?Hemight have denied you Christ, peace, andpardonalso;andthenyourcasewouldhavebeenwoefulindeed.

YouknowGodhasdonesotomillions.Howmanysuchwretchedpeoplemayyoureyesbeholdeveryday,whohavenocomfortinhand,noryetinhope;whoaremiserablehere,andwillbesotoeternity;whohaveabittercup,andnothingtosweetenit—no,notsomuchasanyhopethatitwillbebetter.Butitisnotsowithyou!Thoughyouarepoorinthisworld—yet you are "rich in faith, and an heir of the kingdom which God haspromised."Learn to setspiritualriches, over against temporalpoverty.Balanceallyourpresenttroubles,withyourspiritualprivileges.IndeedifGod has denied your soul the robe of righteousness to clothe it, thehiddenmannato feed it, theheavenlymansiontoreceive it—youmightwell bepensive!But the consideration thathehasnot,may administercomfortunderanyoutwarddistress.WhenLutherbegantobepressedbyneed,hesaid,"Letusbecontentedwithourhardfare;forwefeastuponChrist,thebreadoflife!""BlessedbeGod(saidPaul)whohasaboundedtousinallspiritualblessings."

4. Though this affliction is great, God has far greaterafflictions, with which he chastises his dearly beloved ones.Shouldheremovethisaffliction—andinflictthoseafflictions,youwouldaccountyourpresentstateaverycomfortableone,andblessGodtobeasyounoware.ShouldGodremoveyourpresent troubles,supplyallyouroutwardneeds,giveyou thedesireofyourheart increature-comforts—buthidehisfacefromyou,shoothisarrowsintoyoursoul,andcausethevenomofthemtodrinkupyourspirit;shouldheleaveyoubutafewdaysto the buffetings of Satan; should he hold your eyes but a few nightswakingwithhorrorsofconscience,tossingtoandfrountilthedawningoftheday;shouldheleadyouthroughthechambersofdeath,showyouthevisionsofdarkness,andmakehisterrorssetthemselvesinarrayagainstyou—thentellmeifyouwouldnotthinkitagreatmercytobebackagainin your former necessitous condition, with peace of conscience; andaccountbreadandwater,withGod's favor—ahappy state?O then takeheed of repining!Do not say thatGod deals harshlywith you, lest youprovoke him to convince you by greater afflictions—that he has worserodsthantheseforunsubmissiveandfrowardchildren!

5.Ifitisbadnow—itwillbebettershortly.Keepyourheartbythisconsideration,'Themealinthebarrelisalmostgone.Well,beitso,whyshouldthattroubleme,ifIamalmostbeyondtheneedanduseofthesethings?' The traveler has spent almost all his money; 'well,' says he,'thoughmymoney isalmost spent,my journey isalmost finishedtoo.Iamnearhome,andshallsoonbefullysupplied.'Iftherearenocandlesinthehouse,itisacomforttothinkthatitisalmostday,andthentherewillbenoneedofthem.Iamafraid,Christian,youmisreckonwhenyouthinkyourprovisionisalmostgone,andyouhaveagreatwaytotravel—manyyearstoliveandnothingtoliveupon—itmaybenothalfsomanyasyousuppose! In this be confident, if your provision is gone, either freshsuppliesarecoming,thoughyouseenotwhence—oryouareneareryourjourney's end than you reckon yourself to be.Desponding soul, does itbefit a man traveling upon the road to that heavenly city, and almostarrivedthere,withinafewdays'journeyofhisFather'shouse,whereallhisneedsshallbesupplied—tobesoanxiousaboutalittlefood,ordrink,orclothes,whichhefearsheshallneedalongtheway?Itwasnoblysaid

bythefortymartyrswhenturnedoutnakedinafrostynighttobestarvedtodeath,"Thewinterindeedissharpandcold—butheaveniswarmandcomfortable!Herewe shiver for cold—but Abraham's bosomwillmakeamendsforall."

'But,' says the desponding soul, 'I may die for lack.'Who ever did so?When were the righteous forsaken? If indeed it is so—your journey isended—andyouwillbefullysupplied!

'But I am not sure of that; were I sure of heaven, it would be anothermatter.'Areyounotsureofthat?Thenyouhaveothermatterstotroubleyourselfaboutthanthese;methinkstheseshouldbetheleastofallyourcares.IdonotfieldthatsoulsperplexedaboutthelackofChrist,pardonof sin, &c., are usually very solicitous about these things. He whoseriouslyputssuchquestionsasthese,'WhatshallIdotobesaved?howshall Iknowmysin ispardoned?'doesnot troublehimselfwith, "WhatshallIeat,whatshallIdrink,orwithwhatshallIbeclothed?"

6.DoesitbefitthechildrenofsuchaFather,todistrusthisall-sufficiency, or repine at anyof his dispensations? Is it good toquestionhiscareandlove,uponeverynewexigency?Say,haveyounotformerly been ashamed of this? Has not your Father's seasonableprovision for you in former difficulties put you to the blush, andmadeyouresolvenevermore toquestionhis loveand care?Andyetwill youagainrenewyourunworthysuspicionsofhim?Hypocriticalchild!Reasonthuswithyourself:"IfIperishforlackofwhatisgoodandneedfulforme,itmustbeeitherbecausemyFatherknowsnotmyneeds—orhasnothingwithwhichtosupplythem—orcaresnotwhatbecomesofme.WhichoftheseshallIchargeuponhim?Notthefirst—formyFatherknowswhatIhaveneedof.Notthesecond—fortheearthistheLordsandthefatnessthereof,hisnameisGodAll-sufficient.Notthelast—forasaFatherpitieshischildren,sotheLordpitiesthosewhofearhim;theLordisexceedingpitifulandof tendermercy;hehears theyoung ravenswhen they cry—andwillhenothearme?Consider,saysChrist, thebirdsof theair;notthebirdsatthedoor,whicharefedeverydaybyband—butthebirdsoftheairwhichhavenonetoprovideforthem.Doeshefeedandclothehisenemies—and will he forget his children? he heard even the cry ofIshmaelindistress.Omyunbelievingheart,doyouyetdoubt?

7.Yourpoverty isnotyoursin—butyouraffliction. If youhavenotbysinfulmeansbroughtituponyourself,andifitbebutanaffliction—itmaythemoreeasilybeborne.Itishardindeedtobearanafflictioncoming upon us—as the fruit and punishment of sin. When men areunder trouble upon that account; they say, 'O if it were but a simpleaffliction,coming fromthehandofGodbywayof trial, I couldbear it;butIhavebroughtituponmyselfbysin—itcomesasthepunishmentofmysin—themarksofGod'sdispleasureareuponit—itistheguiltwithinwhichtroublesandgalls,morethantheafflictionwithout.'Butitisnotsohere;thereforeyouhavenoreasontobecastdownunderit.

'But though there is no sting of guilt—yet this condition does not lackother stings; as, for instance, the discredit of religion. I cannot complywith my engagements in the world, and thereby religion is likely tosuffer.' It is well you have a heart to discharge every duty; yet if Goddisablesyoubyprovidence,itisnodiscredittoyourprofessionthatyoudo not do, that which you cannot do, so long as it is your desire andendeavortodowhatyoucanandoughttodo.AndinthiscaseGod'swillis—thatmercyandforbearancebeexercisedtowardyou.

'But it grieves me to behold the necessities of others, whom I wasaccustomed to relieve and refresh—but now cannot.' If you cannot, itceasestobeyourduty,andGodacceptsthedrawingoutofyoursoultothe hungry in compassion and desire to help them, though you cannotdrawforthafullpursetorelieveandsupplythem.

'ButIfindsuchaconditionfulloftemptations,agreathindranceintheway to heaven.' Every condition in the world has its hindrances andattending temptations; and were you in a prosperous condition, youmighttheremeetwithmoretemptationsandfeweradvantagesthanyounowhave.Forthoughpovertyaswellasprosperityhasitstemptations—yetIamconfidentprosperityhasnotthoseadvantagesthatpovertyhas.Here you have an opportunity to discover the sincerity of your love toGod,when you can live upon him, find enough in him, and constantlyfollowhim—evenwhenallexternalinducementsandmotivesfail.

ThusIhaveshownyouhowtokeepyourheartfromthetemptationsand

dangers attending a low condition in the world.When need oppressesandtheheartbeginstosink—thenimprove,andblessGodforthesehelpstokeepit.

InSeasonsofDuty

Thenextseasonrequiringthisdiligenceinkeepingtheheart—istheseasonofpiousduties.Ourheartsmustbecloselywatchedandkept—whenwedrawneartoGodinpublic,private,orsecretduties; forthevanityoftheheartseldomrevealsitselfmorethanatsuchtimes.Howoftendoesthepoorsoulcryout,'OLord,howgladlywouldIserveyou—but vain thoughts will not letme! I come to openmy heart to you, todelightmysoulincommunionwithyou—butmycorruptionsopposeme!Lord,castoffthesevainthoughts,andallowthemnottoestrangethesoulthatisespousedtoyou!'

Thequestionthenisthis—Howmaytheheartbekeptfromdistractionsby vain thoughts in time of duty? There isa twofolddistraction, orwanderingoftheheartinduty:

First,voluntaryandhabitual, "They set not their hearts aright, andtheirspiritwasnotsteadfastwithGod."Thisisthecaseofformalists,anditproceedsfromthe lackofaholy inclinationof thehearttoGod;theirheartsareunder thepowerof their lusts, and therefore it isnowonderthattheygoaftertheirlusts—evenwhentheyareaboutholythings.

Secondly,involuntaryandlamenteddistractions: "I find then a law,thatwhenIwoulddogood,evilispresentwithme!OwretchedmanthatIam!"etc.Thisproceedsnotfromthelackofaholyinclinationoraim—butfromtheweaknessofgraceandthelackofvigilanceinopposingin-dwellingsin.Butitisnotmybusinesstoshowyouhowthesedistractionscome into theheart—but ratherhowtoget themout,andprevent theirfutureadmission:

1. Sequester yourself from all earthly employments, and setapart some time for solemn time to meet God in duty. YoucannotcomedirectlyfromtheworldintoGod'spresencewithoutfindingasavorof theworld inyourduties. It iswith theheart (a fewminutessinceplungedintheworld,nowinthepresenceofGod)asitiswiththesea after a storm, which still continues working, muddy and disquiet,though the wind is quiet and the storm is over. Your heartmust havesometimetosettle.Fewmusicianscantakeaninstrumentandplayuponitwithout some time and labor to tune it. FewChristians can saywithDavid,"Myheartisfixed,OGod,myheartisfixed."WhenyougotoGodinanyduty,takeyourheartasideandsay,'Omysoul,Iamnowengagedinthegreatestworkthatacreaturewaseveremployedin;IamgoingintothesolemnpresenceofGoduponbusinessofeverlastingconsequence.Omysoul,leavetriflingnow;becomposed,bewatchful,beserious;thisisnocommonwork,itissoul-work;itisworkforeternity;itisworkwhichwillbringforthfruittolifeordeathintheworldtocome.'Pauseawhileand consider your sins, your needs, your troubles; keep your thoughtsawhileonthesebeforeyouaddressyourselftoduty.Davidfirstmused—andthenspokewithhistongue.

2. Having composed your heart by previous meditation,immediately set a guard upon your senses. How often areChristians in danger of losing the eyes of their mind by those of theirbody! Against this David prayed, "Turn away my eyes from beholdingvanity,andquickenmeinyourway."Itwerewellifyoucouldsayinthecommencement, as a holy man once said when he came from theperformanceofduty: "Be shut,Omy eyes, be shut; for it is impossiblethatyoushouldeverdiscernsuchbeautyandglory inanycreatureas IhavenowseeninGod."Youmustavoidalloccasionsofdistractionfromwithout,andimbibethat intensenessofspirit intheworkofGodwhichlocksuptheeyeandearagainstvanity.

3. Beg of God a mortified imagination. A fertile imagination,however much it is extolled among men, is a great snare to the soul,exceptitworkinfellowshipwithrightreasonandasanctifiedheart.Theimagination is a power of the soul, placed between the senses and theunderstanding; it is that which first stirs itself in the soul, and by its

motionstheotherpowersofthesoularebroughtintoexercise;itisthatin which thoughts are first formed, and as that is, so are they. Ifimaginationsarenotfirstcastdown,itisimpossiblethateverythoughtoftheheartshouldbebroughtintoobediencetoChrist.Theimaginationisnaturally the wildest and most untamable power of the soul. SomeChristianshavemuch todowith it; and themore spiritual theheart is,themoredoesawildandvainimaginationdisturbandperplexit.Itisasadthingthatone's imaginationshouldcalloff the soul frontattendingonGod,whenitisengagedincommunionwithhim.Prayearnestlyandperseveringlythatyourimaginationmaybechastenedandsanctified,andwhenthisisaccomplishedyourthoughtswillberegularandfixed.

4. If you would keep your heart from vain excursions whenengaged inpiousduties,realize toyourself,by faith—theholyandsolemnpresenceofGod. If thepresenceofagravemanwouldcompose you to seriousness, howmuchmore should the presence of aholyGod?Doyouthink thatyouwoulddare tobemirthfulandvain, ifyourealizedthepresenceandinspectionoftheDivineBeing?Rememberwhereyouarewhenengagedinreligiousduty,andactasifyoubelievedintheomniscienceofGod."AllthingsarenakedandopentotheeyesofHimwithwhomwehavetodo."Realizehisinfiniteholiness,hispurity,hisspirituality.

Strive to obtain such apprehensions of the greatness of God as shallsuitably affect yourheart, and rememberhis jealousyoverhisworship."ThisisthattheLordspoke,saying,Iwillbesanctifiedinthosewhocomenear me, and before all the people I will be glorified." "Aman that ispraying(saysBernard)shouldbehavehimselfasifhewereenteringintothecourtofheaven,whereheseestheLorduponhisthrone,surroundedwithtenthousandofhisangelsandsaintsministeringuntohim."Whenyoucomefromanexerciseinwhichyourhearthasbeenwanderingandlistless,what can you say? Suppose all the vanities and impertinenceswhichhavepassedthroughyourmindduringadevotionalexercisewerewritten down and interlined with your petitions. Could you have theaudacity to present them to God? Should your tongue utter all thethoughts of your heart when attending the worship of God, would notmenabhoryou?YetyourthoughtsareperfectlyknowntoGod!Othink

uponthisscripture:"Godisgreatlytobefearedintheassembliesofhissaints,andtobehadinreverenceofallthosewhoareroundabouthim."WhydidtheLorddescendinthunderingsandlightningsanddarkcloudsuponSinai?Whydidthemountainssmokeunderhim,thepeoplequakeand tremble roundabouthim?but to teach thepeople this great truth."Letushavegrace,wherebywemayserveHimacceptably,withreverenceandgodlyfear;forourGodisaconsumingfire."SuchapprehensionsofthecharacterandpresenceofGod,willquicklyreduceaheartinclinedtovanitytoamoreseriousframe.

5. Maintain a prayerful frame of heart in the intervals of duty. Whatreason can be assigned why our hearts are so dull, so careless, sowandering, when we hear or pray—but that there have been longintermissions in our communionwithGod? If that divineunction, thatspiritual fervor,and thoseholy impressions,whichweobtain fromGodwhileengagedintheperformanceofoneduty,werepreservedtoenlivenand engage us in the performance of another, they would be ofincalculable service to keep our hearts serious and devout. For thispurpose, frequent ejaculationsbetween stated and solemnduties are ofmostexcellentuse.Theynotonlypreservethemindinacomposedandpiousframe—buttheyconnectonestatedduty,asitwere,withanother,andkeeptheattentionofthesoulalivetoallitsinterestsandobligations.

6. If you would have the distraction of your thoughtsprevented, endeavor to raise your affections to God, and toengagethemwarmlyinyourduty.Whenthesoulisintentuponanywork, it gathers in its strength andbends all its thoughts to thatwork;andwhenitisdeeplyaffected, itwillpursueitsobjectwithintenseness,theaffectionswillgainanascendancyoverthethoughtsandguidethem.But deadness causes distraction, and distraction increases deadness.Couldyoubutregardyourdutiesasthemediuminwhichyoumightwalkin communionwith God in which your soulmight be filledwith thoseravishingandmatchlessdelightswhichhispresenceaffords—youwouldhave no inclination to neglect them. But if you would prevent therecurrenceofdistracting thoughts, if youwould find your happiness intheperformanceofduty,youmustnotonlybecarefulthatyouengageinwhat is your duty—but labor with patient and persevering exertion, to

interestyouraffectionsinit.Whyisyourheartso inconstant,especiallyinsecretduties;whyareyoureadytobegone,almostassoonasyouarecome into the presence of God—but because your affections are notengaged?

7.Whenyouaredisturbedbyvain thoughts,humbleyourselfbefore God, and call in assistance from Heaven. When themessengerofSatanbuffetedPaulbywickedsuggestions,(asissupposed)hemournedbeforeGodonaccountofit.Neverslightwanderingthoughtsindutyas smallmatters; follow every such thoughtwith adeep regret.Turn toGodwith suchwordsas these: 'Lord, I camehere to communewith you, and here a busy adversary and a vain heart, conspiringtogether,haveopposedme.OmyGod!WhatavilehearthaveI!ShallIneverwaituponyouwithoutdistraction?WhenshallIenjoyanhouroffreecommunionwithyou?Grantmeyourassistanceat thisyou; revealyourglorytome,andmyheartwillquicklyberecovered.Icameheretoenjoyyou,andshallIgoawaywithoutyou?Beholdmydistress,andhelpme!' Could you but sufficiently bewail your distractions, and repair toGodfordeliverancefromthem—youwouldgainrelief.

8. Look upon the success and the comfort of your duties, asdepending very much upon the keeping of your heart closewith God in them. These two things—the success of duty and theinwardcomfortarisingfromtheperformanceofit—areunspeakablydeartotheChristian;butbothof thesewillbe lost if theheart is ina listlessstate."SurelyGodhearsnotvanity,nordoestheAlmightyregardit."Thepromiseismadetoaheartyengagementinduties:"Thenshallyouseekforme,andfindme,whenyoushallsearchformewithallyourhearts."Whenyoufindyourheartunderthepowerofdeadnessanddistraction,say to yourself, 'Owhat do I lose by a careless heart now!My prayingseasonsare themostvaluableportionsofmy life—could Ibut raisemyheart to God, I might now obtain suchmercies as would bematter ofpraisetoalleternity.'

9.Regardyourcarefulnessorcarelessness inthismatterasagreatevidenceofyoursincerity—orofyourhypocrisy.Nothingwillalarmanuprightheartmore thanthis. 'What!Shall Igivewaytoacustomary wandering of the heart from God? Shall the spot of the

hypocriteappearuponmysoul?Hypocrites,indeed,candrudgeonintheroundofduty,neverregardingtheframeoftheirhearts;butshallIdoso?Never—neverletmebesatisfiedwithemptyduties.NeverletmetakemyleaveofadutyuntilmyeyeshaveseentheKing,theLordAlmighty!'

10.ItwillbeofspecialusetokeepyourheartwithGodinduty,toconsiderwhatinfluenceallyourdutieswillhaveuponyoureternity. Your pious seasons are your seed times, and in the eternalworld, youmust reap the fruitsofwhat you sow in yourdutieshere. Ifyousow to the flesh—youwill reapcorruption. If yousow to theSpirit,youwill reapeverlasting life.Answerseriously thesequestions:Areyouwilling to reap the fruit of vanity in theworld to come?Dare you say,whenyourthoughtsarerovingtotheendsoftheearthinduty,whenyouscarcelymindwhatyousayorhear,'Now,Lord,IamsowingtotheSpirit;now I am providing and laying up for eternity; now I am seeking forglory,honorandimmortality;nowIamstrivingtoenter inat thestraitgate; now I am taking the kingdom of heaven by holy violence!' Suchreflectionsarewellcalculatedtodissipatevainthoughts.

InSeasonsofAbusefromOthers

Thenextseasonwhichrequiresmorethancommonsdiligencetokeeptheheart—iswhenwereceiveinjuriesandabusesfrommen.Suchisthedepravityandcorruptionofman,thatoneisbecomeasa wolf or a tiger to another. And as men are naturally cruel andoppressiveonetoanother,sothewickedconspiretoabuseandwrongthepeopleofGod."Thewickeddevoursthemanwhoismorerighteousthanhe."Nowwhenweare thusabusedandwronged, it ishard tokeep theheartfromrevengefulmotions;tomakeitmeeklyandquietlycommitthecausetoHimthatjudgesrighteously;topreventtheexerciseofanysinfulaffection.Thespirit that is inus luststorevenge;but itmustnotbeso.We have choice helps in the Gospel to keep our hearts from sinfulmotionsagainstourenemies,andtosweetenourembitteredspirits.Doyou ask how a Christian may keep his heart from revengeful motions

underthegreatestinjuriesandabusesfrommen?Ireply—Whenyoufindyour heart begin to be inflamed by revengeful feelings, immediatelyreflectonthefollowingthings:

1. Urge upon your heart the severe prohibitions of revengecontained in theWordofGod.However gratifying to your corruptpropensities revenge may be, remember that it is forbidden. Hear thewordofGod:"Saynot,Iwillrecompenseevil."Saynot,Iwilldosotohimashehasdonetome."Donottakerevenge,myfriends,butleaveroomforGod'swrath,forit iswritten—Itisminetoavenge;Iwillrepay,saysthe Lord.On the contrary—If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he isthirsty, give him something to drink. Do not be overcome by evil, butovercomeevilwithgood."ItwasanargumenturgedbytheChristianstoprovetheirreligiontobesupernaturalandpure—thatitforbidsrevenge,whichissoagreeabletonature.Aweyourheart,then,withtheauthorityof God in the Scriptures; and when carnal reason says, 'My enemydeservestobehated!'Letconsciencereply, 'ButdoesGoddeservetobedisobeyed?''Thusandthushashedone,andsohashewrongedme.''ButwhathasGoddonethatIshouldwronghim?Ifmyenemydaresboldlytobreakmypeace,shallIbesowickedastobreakGod'sprecept?Ifhefearsnottowrongme,shallnotIfeartowrongGod?'ThusletthefearofGodrestrainandcalmyourfeelings.

2.Setbeforeyoureyesthemosteminentpatternsofmeeknessandforgiveness, thatyoumay feel the forceof theirexample.This is the way to cut off the common pleas of flesh and blood forrevenge,asthus,'Nomanwouldbearsuchanaffront!'Yes—othershaveborneasbad,andworseones!'ButIshallbereckonedacoward,afool,ifI pass this by!' That is no concern to you, so long as you follow theexamplesofthewisestandholiestofmen.NeverdidanyonesuffermoreorgreaterabusesfrommenthanJesusdid,nordidanyoneeverendureinsult and reproach and every kind of abuse in a more peaceful andforgivingmanner.Whenhewas reviled—he revilednot again;whenhesuffered—hethreatenednot;whenhismurdererscrucifiedhim—heaskedthe Father to forgive them. Herein he has set us an example, that weshould follow his steps. Thus his apostles imitated him: "Whenwe arecursed—we bless; whenwe are persecuted—we endure it; whenwe are

slandered—we answer kindly. Up to thismoment we have become thescumoftheearth,therefuseoftheworld."

I have often heard it reported of the holyMr. Dod, that when aman,enragedathissearching,convincingdoctrine,assaultedhim,smotehimonthefaceanddashedouttwoofhisteeth;thatmeekservantofChristspitouttheteethandbloodintohishand,andsaid,"Seehere,youhaveknockedouttwoofmyteeth,andthatwithoutanyjustprovocation;butonconditionthatImightdoyoursoulgood,Iwouldgiveyoupermissionto knock out all the rest." Here was exemplified the excellency of theChristian spirit. Strive then for this spirit, which constitutes the trueexcellence of Christians. Do what others cannot do, keep this spirit inexercise, and you will preserve peace in your own soul and gain thevictoryoveryourenemies.

2.Considerthecharacterofthepersonwhohaswrongedyou.Heiseitheragodlymanorawickedman.Ifheisagodlyman,there islight and tenderness inhis conscience,which sooner or laterwill bringhimtoasenseoftheevilofwhathehasdone.Ifheisagodlyman,Christhas forgiven him greater injuries than he has done to you; and whyshouldnot you forgivehim?WillChristnotupbraidhim for anyofhiswrongs—butfranklyforgivethemall;andwillyoutakehimbythethroatforsomepettyabusewhichhehasdonetoyou?

3.But if awickedmanhas injuredor insulted you, truly youhavemorereasontoexercisepitythanrevengetowardhim.Heis in a deluded and miserable state; a slave to sin and an enemy torighteousness. If he should ever repent, he will be ready to make youreparation;ifhecontinuesimpenitent,thereisadaycomingwhenhewillbepunishedtotheextentofhisdeserts.Youneednotstudyrevenge,Godwillexecutevengeanceuponhim.

4. Remember that by revenge you can only gratify a sinfulpassion,whichby forgivenessyoumightconquer.Supposethatby revenge you might destroy one enemy; yet, by exercising theChristian's temperyoumightconquer threeenemiesatonce—yourownlust, Satan's temptation, and your enemy's heart. If by revenge youshould overcome your enemy, the victory would be unhappy and

inglorious, for in gaining it you would be overcome by your owncorruption; but by exercising a meek and forgiving temper, you willalways come offwith honor and success. Itmust be a very vile personindeed, upon which meekness and forgiveness will not operate. Thatmustbe a flintyheart,which this firewill notmelt.ThusDavidgainedsuchavictoryoverSaulhispersecutor,that"Saullifteduphisvoiceandwept,andhesaidtoDavid,YouaremorerighteousthanI."

5.Seriouslypropose thisquestion to yourownheart: 'Have Igotanygoodtomysoul—bymeansofthewrongsandinjurieswhich I have received?' If they have done you no good, turn yourrevenge upon yourself. You have reason to be filled with shame andsorrowthatyoushouldhaveaheartwhichcandeducenogoodfromsuchtroubles; that your temper should be so unlike that of Christ. Thepatience andmeekness of other Christians, have turned all the injuriesoffered to them to a good account! Their souls have been animated topraiseGod,whentheyhavebeenloadedwithreproachesfromtheworld."I thank my God." said Jerome, "that I am worthy to be hated of theworld." But if you have derived any benefit from the reproaches andwrongswhich you have received, if they have put you upon examiningyour own heart, if they havemade youmore careful how you conductyourlife,iftheyhaveconvincedyouofthevalueofasanctifiedtemper—will you not forgive them? Will you not forgive one who has beeninstrumentalofsomuchgoodtoyou?Whatthoughhemeantitforevil?IfthroughtheDivineblessingyourhappinesshasbeenpromotedbywhathehasdone—whyshouldyouevenhaveahardthoughtofhim?

6.Considerbywhomallyourtroublesareordered.Thiswillbeofgreatusetokeepyourheart fromrevenge;thiswillquicklycalmandsweetenyourtemper.WhenShimeirailedatDavidandcursedhim,thespirit of that godly man was not at all poisoned by revenge; for whenAbishaiofferedhim,ifhepleased,theheadofShimei;thekingsaid,"Lethimcurse,because theLordhassaiduntohim,CurseDavid:whoshallthensay,Whyhaveyoudoneso?"ItmaybethatGoduseshimashisrodtochastiseme,becausebymysinIgavetheenemiesofGodoccasiontoblaspheme; and shall I be angry with the instrument? How irrationalwere that!ThusJobwas quieted; he did not rail andmeditate revenge

upontheChaldeansandSabeans—butregardedGodastheordererofhistroubles,andsaid,"TheLordhastakenaway,blessedbehisname."

7.ConsiderhowyouaredailyandhourlywrongingGod—andyouwill not be so easily inflamedwith revenge against thosewhohave wronged you. You are constantly affronting God—yet hedoes not take vengeance on you—but bearswith you and forgives; andwillyouriseupandavengeyourselfuponothers?Reflectonthiscuttingrebuke: "Oyouwicked and slothful servant! I forgave you all that debtbecause you asked me; should you not also have compassion on yourfellow-servant,evenasIhadpityonyou?"Noneshouldbesofilledwithforbearance and mercy to such as wrong them—as those who haveexperiencedtherichesofmercythemselves!ThemercyofGodtous—shouldmeltourheartsintomercytowardothers.Itisimpossiblethat we should be cruel to others—unless we forget how kind andcompassionateGodhasbeentous.Andifkindnesscannotprevailinus,methinks fear should, "But if you do not forgive men their sins, yourFatherwillnotforgiveyoursins."

8.Let the consideration that thedayof theLorddrawsnear,restrainyoufromanticipatingitbyactsofrevenge.Whyareyousohasty?IsnottheLordathandtoavengeallhisabusedservants?"Bepatient,then,brothers,until theLord'scoming.Youtoo,bepatientandstand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. Don't grumble againsteachother,brothers,oryouwillbejudged.TheJudgeisstandingatthedoor!"VengeancebelongsuntoGod,andwillyouwrongyourselfsomuchastoassumehiswork?

InSeasonsofGreatTrials

Thenextseasoninwhichspecialexertionisnecessarytokeeptheheart—iswhenwemeetwithgreatTRIALS.Insuchcasestheheart isapttobesuddenly transportedwithpride, impatience,orothersinful passions. Many good people are guilty of hasty and very sinful

conduct in such instances. We all have need to use diligently thefollowingmeans tokeepourhearts submissive andpatientunder greattrials:

1.Gethumbleandabasingthoughtsofyourself.Thehumbleman,is ever the patient man. Pride is the source of irregular and sinfulpassions.Aloftyspirit,willbeanunyieldingandpeevishspirit.Whenweoverrate ourselves—we think that we are treated unworthily, that ourtrialsaretoosevere—thuswecavilandrepine.Christian,youshouldhavesuchthoughtsofyourselfaswouldputastoptothesemurmurings.Youshouldhavelowerandmorehumiliatingviewsofyourselfthananyotherone can have of you! Get humility—and you will have peace, whateveryourtrialis!

2.CultivateahabitofcommunionwithGod.Thiswillprepareyouforwhatevermaytakeplace.Thiswillsosweetenyourtemperandcalmyour mind as to secure you against surprises. This will produce thatinward peace which will make you superior to your trials. HabitualcommunionwithGodwillaffordyouenjoyment,whichyoucanneverbewilling to interrupt by sinful feeling. When a Christian is calm andsubmissive under his afflictions—probably he derives support andcomfort in thisway; buthewho isdiscomposed, impatient, or fretful—shows that all is not right within—he cannot be supposed to practicecommunionwithGod.

3.Letyourmindbedeeplyimpressedwithanapprehensionofthe evilnature of an unsubmissive and restless temper, andeffects of an unsubmissive and restless temper. It grieves theSpirit of God, and induces his departure. His gracious presence andinfluenceareenjoyedonlywherepeaceandquietsubmissionprevail.Theindulgenceofsuchatempergivestheadversaryanadvantage.Satanisanangryanddiscontentedspirit.Hefindsnorestbutinrestlesshearts.Hebestirshimselfwhenthespiritsareincommotion;sometimeshefillstheheartwithungratefulandrebelliousthoughts;sometimesheinflamesthetonguewith indecent language.Again, such a temper brings great guiltupon the conscience, unfits the soul for any duty, and dishonors theChristianname.Okeepyourheart,and let thepowerandexcellenceofyour religion be chiefly manifested when you are brought into the

greateststraits.

4.ConsiderhowdesirableitisforaChristiantoovercomehisevilpropensities.Howmuchmorepresenthappiness it affords;howmuchbetteritisineveryrespecttomortifyandsubdueunholyfeelings,thantogivewaytothem.Whenuponyourdeathbedyoucomecalmlytoreview your life, how comfortable will it be to reflect on the conquestwhichyouhavemadeover thedepravedfeelingsofyourheart. ItwasamemorablesayingofValentiniantheemperor,whenhewasabouttodie:"Amongallmyconquests,thereisbutonethatnowcomfortsme."Beingaskedwhatthateras,heanswered,"Ihaveovercomemyworstenemy—myownsinfulheart!"

5. Shame yourself, by contemplating the character of thosewho have beenmost eminent for meekness and submission.Aboveall,compareyourtemperwiththeSpiritofChrist."Learnofme,"sayshe,"forIammeekandlowly."ItissaidofCalvinandUrsin,thoughboth of irascible natures, that they had so imbibed and cultivated themeeknessofChrist asnot toutteranunfittingwordunder thegreatestprovocations. And even many of the heathens have manifested greatmoderation and forbearance under their severest afflictions. Is it not ashameandareproachthatyoushouldbeoutdonebythem?

6.Avoideverythingwhichiscalculatedtoirritateyourfeelings.It is truespiritualvalortokeepasfaraswecanoutof sin'sway. Ifyoucan but avoid the excitements to impetuous and rebellious feelings, orcheckthemintheir firstbeginnings,youwillhavebut little to fear.Thefirst workings of common sins are comparatively weak, they gain theirstrengthbydegrees;butintimesoftrialthemotionsofsinarestrongestatfirst, theunsubduedtemperbreaksoutsuddenlyandviolently.But ifyouresolutelywithstanditatfirst—itwillyieldandgiveyouthevictory!

InSeasonsofGreatTemptations

The next season wherein the greatest diligence and skill arenecessarytokeeptheheart—isthehourofTEMPTATION,whenSatanbesetstheChristian'sheart,andtakestheunwarybysurprise.Tokeep the heart at such times, is not less a mercy than a duty. FewChristians are so skillful in detecting the fallacies, and repelling theargumentsbywhichtheadversaryincitesthemtosin,astocomeoffsafeand whole in these encounters. Many eminent saints have smartedseverely fortheir lackofwatchfulnessanddiligenceatsuchtimes.HowthenmayaChristiankeephisheart fromyielding to temptation?Thereareseveralprincipalwaysinwhichtheadversaryinsinuatestemptation,andurgescompliance:

1. Satan suggests that here is pleasure to be enjoyed—thetemptationispresentedwithasmilingaspectandanenticingvoice! 'What, are you so dull and stolid as not to feel the powerfulcharms of pleasure? Who can withhold himself from such delights?'Reader, you may be rescued from the danger of such temptations byrepellingthefirstproposalofpleasure.Itisurgedthatthecommissionofsinwillaffordyoupleasure.Supposethisweretrue,willtheaccusingandcondemningrebukesofconscienceandtheflamesofhellbepleasanttoo?Is there pleasure in the scourges of conscience? If so, why died Peterweepsobitterly?WhydidDavidcryoutofbrokenbones?

Youhearwhatissaidofthepleasureofsin,andhaveyounotreadwhatDavid said of the effectsof it? "Your arrows stick fast inme, and yourhandpressesmesore;thereisnosoundnessinmyfleshbecauseofyouranger,neitheristhereanyrestinmybonesbecauseofmysin,"etc.Ifyouyieldtotemptation,youmustfeelsuchinwarddistressonaccountofit—or the miseries of hell! But why should the pretended pleasure of sinallureyou,whenyouknowthatunspeakablymorerealpleasurewillarisefromthemortificationofsin—thancanarisefromthecommissionofsin!Will you prefer the gratification of some unhallowed passion, with thedeadlypoisonwhich itwill leavebehind—to that sacredpleasurewhicharises from hearing and obeying God, complying with the dictates ofconscience, and maintaining inward peace? Can sin afford any suchdelight as he feels who, by resisting temptation, has manifested thesincerity of his heart, and obtained evidence that he fears God, loves

holiness,andhatessin?

2.Thesecrecywithwhichyoumaycommitsinismadeuseof,toinducecompliancewithtemptation.Thetempterinsinuatesthatthisindulgencewillneverdisgraceyouamongmen,fornoonewillknowit. But recollect yourself. Does notGod behold you? Is not the divinepresenceeverywhere?What ifyoumighthideyoursin fromtheeyes oftheworld,youcannothideitfromGod.Nodarknesscanscreenyoufromhisinspection.Besides,haveyounorespectforyourself?Canyoudothatby yourself, which you dare not have others observe? Is not yourconscience as a thousandwitnesses? Even a heathen could say, "Whenyouaretemptedtocommitsin,fearyourselfwithoutanyotherwitness."

3. The prospect of worldly advantage often enforcestemptation. It is suggested, 'Why should you be so precise andscrupulous? Give yourself a little liberty, and you may better yourcondition:nowisyourtime.'Thisisadangeroustemptation,andmustbepromptlyresisted.Yieldingtosucha temptationwilldoyoursoulmoreinjurythananytemporalacquisitioncanpossiblydoyougood.Andwhatwoulditprofityou,ifyoushouldgainthewholeworldandloseyourownsoul?Whatcanbecomparedwiththevalueofyourspiritualinterests?Orwhatcanatallcompensateforthesmallestinjuryofthem?

4.Perhaps thesmallnessof the sin is urged as a reasonwhyyoumaycommitit."Itisbutalittlesin,asmallmatter,atrifle!"ButistheMajestyofheavenlittletoo?IfyoucommitthissinyouwilloffendagreatGod!Isthereanylittlehelltotormentlittlesinnersin?No!theleastsinners in hell are full ofmisery. There is greatwrath treasuredup forthosewhomtheworldregardaslittlesinners.Butthelessthesin,thelesstheinducementtocommitit.WillyouprovokeGodforatrifle?Willyoudestroyyourpeace,woundyourconscience,andgrievetheSpirit—allfornothing?Whatmadnessisthis!

5. An argument to enforce temptation is sometimes drawnfromthemercyofGodandthehopeofpardon."Godismerciful,hewillpassbythisasaninfirmity,hewillnotbeseveretomarkit."Butstop!Wheredo you find apromise ofmercy topresumptuous sinners?Involuntaryfallsandlamentedinfirmitiesmaybepardoned,"butthesoul

thatdoesanythingpresumptuously, the samereproaches theLord,andthatsoulshallbecutofffromamonghispeople."IfGodisabeingofsomuchmercy—howcanyouaffronthim?Howcanyoumakesogloriousanattributeasthedivinemercy,intoanoccasionofsin?WillyouwrongGodbecauseheisgood?Ratherlethisgoodnessleadyoutorepentance,andkeepyoufromtransgression.

6.SometimesSatanencouragestothecommissionofsin,fromthe examples of holymen. "Thus and thus they sinned, and wererestored; therefore youmay commit this sin, and yet be a saint andbesaved." Such suggestionsmust be instantly repelled. If goodmen havecommitted sins similar to thatwithwhich you are beset, did any goodmaneversinuponsuchgroundandfromsuchencouragementasisherepresented? Did God cause their examples to be recorded for yourimitation,or foryourwarning?Aretheynotsetupasbeaconsthatyoumayavoidtherocksuponwhichtheysplit?Areyouwillingtofeelwhatthey felt for sin?Dare you follow them in sin, andplunge yourself intosuchdistressanddangerastheyincurred?

Reader,inthesewayslearntokeepyourheartinthehouroftemptation.

InSeasonsofSpiritualDoubtandDarkness

The time of doubting and of spiritual darkness—constitutesanotherseasonwhenitisverydifficulttokeeptheheart.Whenthe light and comfort of the divine presence is withdrawn; when thebeliever, from theprevalence of indwelling sin in one form or other, isreadytorenouncehishopes,toinferdesperateconclusionswithrespectto himself, to regard his former comforts as vain delusions, and hisprofessions as hypocrisy; at such a timemuchdiligence is necessary tokeeptheheartfromdespondency.TheChristian'sdistressarisesfromhisapprehensionofhisspiritualstate,and ingeneralhearguesagainsthis

possessing true religion, either from his having relapsed into the samesinsfromwhichhehadformerlybeenrecoveredwithshameandsorrow;or from the sensible declining of his affections from God; or from thestrength of his affections toward creature enjoyments; or from hisenlargement inpublic,whilehe is often confinedandbarren inprivateduties;orfromsomehorriblesuggestionsofSatan,withwhichhissoulisgreatlyperplexed;or,lastly,fromGod'ssilenceandseemingdenialofhislongdependingprayers.Nowinordertotheestablishmentandsupportof the heart under these circumstances, it is necessary that you beacquaintedwithsomegeneraltruthswhichhaveatendencytocalmthetrembling and doubting soul; and that you be rightly instructed withregard to the above-mentioned causes of disquiet. Let me direct yourattentiontothefollowinggeneraltruths:

1. Every appearance of hypocrisy does not prove the personwhomanifestsit,tobeahypocrite.Youshouldcarefullydistinguishbetweentheappearanceandthepredominanceofhypocrisy. There areremainsofdeceitfulnessinthebesthearts;thiswasexemplifiedinDavidand Peter—but the prevailing frame of their hearts being upright, theywerenotdenominatedhypocritesfortheirconduct.

2.Weoughttoregardwhatcanbesaidinourfavor,aswellaswhat may be said against us. It is the sin of upright peoplesometimes,toexerciseanunreasonableseverityagainstthemselves.Theydonot impartially consider the stateof their souls.Tomake their stateappearbetterthanitreallyis,indeedisthedamningsinofself-flatteringhypocrites;andtomaketheirstateappearworse than itreally is, is thesinandfollyofsomegoodpeople.Butwhyshouldyoubesuchanenemyto your ownpeace?Why read over the evidences ofGod's love to yoursoul, as aman does a book which he intends to confute?Why do youstudyevasions,andturnoffthosecomfortswhichareduetoyou?

3.EverythingwhichmaybeanoccasionofgrieftothepeopleofGod,isnotasufficientgroundfortheirquestioningtherealityof their religion.Many thingsmay trouble you—which ought not tostumbleyou. Ifuponeveryoccasionyoushouldcall inquestionall thathadeverbeenwroughtuponyou,yourlifewouldbemadeupofdoubtingandfears,andyoucouldneverattainthatsettledinwardpeace,andlive

thatlifeofpraiseandthankfulnesswhichtheGospelrequires.

4.Thesoulisnotatalltimesinasuitablestatetopassarightjudgmentuponitself.Itispeculiarlyunqualifiedforthisinthelaborof desertion or temptation. Such seasonsmust be improved rather forwatchingandresisting,thanforjudginganddetermining.

5.Whateverbethegroundofone'sdistress,itshoulddrivehimto,not fromGod. Suppose youhave sinned thus and so, or that youhave been thus long and sadly deserted—yet youhaveno right to inferthatyououghttobediscouraged,asiftherewasnohelpforyouinGod.

When you have well digested these truths, if your doubts and distressremain,considerwhatisnowtobeoffered:

1.Areyoureadytoconcludethatyouhavenopartinthefavorof God—because you are visited with some extraordinaryaffliction?Ifso,doyouthenrightlyconcludethatgreattrialsaretokensofGod'shatred?Does the Scripture teach this?And dare you infer thesamewith respect toallwhohavebeenasmuchormoreafflicted thanyourself?Iftheargumentisgoodinyourcase,itisgoodinapplicationtotheirs,andmoreconclusivewithrespecttothem, inproportionastheirtrialsweregreaterthanyours.WoethentoDavid,Job,Paul,andallwhohavebeenafflictedastheywere!Buthadyoupassedalonginquietnessand prosperity; had God withheld those chastisements with which heordinarilyvisitshispeople,wouldyounothavehadfarmorereasonfordoubtsanddistressthanyounowhave?

2.DoyourashlyinferthattheLordhasnolovetoyou,becausehehaswithdrawnthe lightofhiscountenance?Doyou imagineyourstate tobehopeless,because it isdarkanduncomfortable?Benothastyinformingthisconclusion.IfanyofthedispensationsofGodtohispeoplewillbeara favorableaswellasaharshconstruction,whyshouldtheynotbeconstruedinthebestsense?AndmaynotGodhaveadesignofloveratherthanofhatredinthedispensationunderwhichyoumourn?Mayhenotdepart foraseason,withoutdeparting forever?Youarenotthe first who has mistaken the design of God in withdrawing himself."Zion says, the Lord has forsakenme,myLord has forgottenme." But

was it so? What says the answer of God? "Can a woman forget hernursingchild?"etc.

But do you sink down under the apprehension that the evidences of atotal and finaldesertionarediscoverable in your experience?Haveyouthenlostyourconscientioustendernesswithregardtosin?AndareyouinclinedtoforsakeGod?Ifso,youhavereasonindeedtobealarmed!Butif your conscience is tenderly alive; if you are resolved to cleave to theLord;ifthelanguageofyourheartis,"IcannotforsakeGod,Icannotlivewithouthispresence!Thoughheslaysme—yetwillItrustinhim!"Thenyou have reason to hope that he will visit you again. It is by theseexercisesthathestillmaintainshisinterestinyou.

Oncemore.Aresenseandfeelingssuitabletojudgeofthedispensationsof God by? Can their testimony be safely relied on? Is it safe to arguethus: 'IfGodhadany love formysoul, Iwould feel itnowaswellas informer times;but I cannot feel it, therefore it is gone?'Mayyounotaswellconclude,whenthesunisinvisibletoyou,thatithasceasedtoexist?ReadIsaiah1:10.

Now if there is nothing in the divine dealings with you which is areasonablegroundofyourdespondencyanddistress,letusinquirewhatthereisinyourownconduct,forwhichyoushouldbesocastdown:

1. Have you committed sins from which you were formerlyrecovered with shame and sorrow?And do you thence concludethat you sin allowedly and habitually, and that your oppositions to sinwerehypocritical?Butdonottoohastilygiveupall for lost.Isnotyourrepentanceandcarerenewedasoftenasyoucommitsin?Isitnotthesinitselfwhichtroublesyou,and is itnot true, that theofteneryousin themore you are distressed? It is not so in customary sinning; of whichBernard excellently discourses thus: "When a man accustomed torestrain,sinsgrievously, itseemsinsupportabletohim,yesheseemstodescendaliveintohell.Inprocessoftimeitseemsnotinsupportable—butheavy,andbetween insupportable andheavy there is no small descent.Next,suchsinningbecomes light,hisconsciencesmitesbut faintly,andheregardsnotherrebukes.Thenhe isnotonly insensible tohisguilt—but that which was bitter and displeasing has become in some degree

sweetandpleasant.Nowitismadeacustom,andnotonlypleaseshim—but pleases him habitually. At length custom becomes habitual andnatural;hecannotbedissuadedfromit—butdefendsandpleadsfor it."Thisisallowedandcustomarysinning,thisisthewayofthewicked.Butisnotyourwaythecontraryofthis?

2.DoyouapprehendadeclineofyouraffectionsfromGodandfromspiritualsubjects?Thismaybeyourcase,andyettheremaybehope.Butpossiblyyouaremistakenwithregardtothis.Therearemanythings to be learned in Christian experience; it has relation to a greatvarietyofsubjects.YoumaynowbelearningwhatitisverynecessaryforyoutoknowasaChristian.Now,whatifyouarenotsensibleofsolivelyaffections,ofsuchravishingviewsasyouhadatfirst;maynotyourpietybe growing more solid and consistent, and better adapted to practicalpurposes?Doesitfollowfromyournotalwaysbeinginthesameframeofmind,orfromthefactthatthesameobjectsdonotatalltimesexcitethesame feelings—that you have no true religion? Perhaps you deceiveyourself by looking forward to what you should be—rather thancontemplatingwhatyouare,comparedwithwhatyouoncewere.

3. If the strength of your love to creature-enjoyments is theground of desperate conclusions respecting yourself, perhapsyou argue thus: "I fear that I love the creaturemore thanGod; if so, Ihave not true love to God. I sometimes feel stronger affections towardearthlycomfortsthanIdotowardheavenlyobjects;thereforemysoulisnotuprightwithinme."If,indeed,youlovethecreatureforitself,ifyoumakeityourend,andreligionbutameans,thenyouconcluderightly;forthis is incompatiblewithsupreme love toGod.Butmaynotaman loveGodmoreardentlyandunchangeablythanhedoesanything,orallthingselse,andyet,whenGod isnot thedirectobjectofhis thoughts,mayhenotbesensibleofmoreviolentaffection for thecreature thanhehasatthat time for God? As rooted malice indicates a stronger hatred thansuddenthoughmoreviolentpassion;sowemustjudgeofourlove,notbyaviolentmotionofitnowandthen—butbythedepthofitsrootandtheconstancy of its exercise. Perhaps your difficulty results from bringingyour love to some foreign and improper test.Many people have fearedthatwhenbroughttosomeeminenttrial,theywouldrenounceChristand

cleave to the creature; butwhen the trial came, Christ was everything,and theworld as nothing in their esteem. Suchwere the fears of somemartyrs whose victory was complete. But you may expect divineassistanceonlyatthetimeof,andinproportiontoyournecessity.Ifyouwouldtestyourlove,seewhetheryouarewillingtoforsakeChristnow.

4.Isthelackofthatenlargementinprivate,whichyoufindinpublicexercises,anoccasionofdoubtsandfears?Considerthenwhethertherearenotsomecircumstancesattendingpublicdutieswhichare peculiarly calculated to excite your feelings and elevate yourmind,andwhichcannotaffectyou inprivate. If so,yourexercises insecret, ifperformedfaithfullyandinasuitablemanner,maybeprofitable,thoughtheyhavenotallthecharacteristicsofthoseinpublic.Ifyouimaginethatyouhavespiritualenlargementandenjoyment inpublicexerciseswhileyouneglectprivateduties,doubtlessyoudeceiveyourself.Indeedifyoulive intheneglectofsecretduties,orarecarelessaboutthem,youhavegreatreasonto fear.But ifyouregularlyandfaithfullyperformthem, itdoesnot followthattheyarevainandworthless,orthattheyarenotofgreatvalue,becausetheyarenotattendedwithsomuchenlargementasyou sometimes find in public. And what if the Spirit is pleased morehighly to favor youwithhis gracious influence in oneplace and at onetimethananother;shouldthisbeareasonformurmuringandunbelief,orforthankfulness?

5. The vile or blasphemous suggestions of Satan sometimesoccasiongreatperplexityanddistress. They seem to lay open anabyssof corruption in theheart,and tosay therecanbenogracehere.But theremay be grace in the heart where such thoughts are injected,thoughnot in theheartwhich consents toandnourishes them.Doyouthenabhorandopposethem?Doyouutterlyrefusetogiveupyourselftotheirinfluence,andstrivetokeepholyandreverendthoughtsofGod,andof all pious objects? If so, such suggestions are involuntary, and noevidenceagainstyourpiety.

6. Is the seeming denial of your prayers, an occasion ofdespondency?Areyoudisposedtosay,"IfGodhadanyregardformysoulhewouldhaveheardmypetitionsbeforenow;butIhavenoanswerfrom him, and therefore no saving interest in him?" But stop! Though

God'sabhorringandfinallyrejectingprayerisanevidencethatherejectsthepersonwhoprays—yet,dare you conclude thathehas rejected you,because an answer to your prayers is delayed, or because you do notdiscoveritifgranted?"MaynotGodbearlongwithhisownelect,whocryuntohimdayandnight?"

Others have stumbled upon the same ground with you: "I said in myhaste, I am cut off from before your eyes: nevertheless you heard thevoice of my supplication." Now are there not some things in yourexperience which indicate that your prayers are not rejected, thoughanswer to them is deferred? Are you not disposed to continue prayingthough you do not discover an answer? Are you not disposed still toascriberighteousnesstoGod,whileyouconsiderthecauseofhissilenceasbeing inyourself?ThusdidDavid:"OmyGod,Icry inthedaytime,andyouhearnot;andinthenight,andamnotsilent:butyouareholy,"etc.Doesnotthedelayofananswertoyourprayersexciteyoutoexamineyour ownheart and test yourways, that youmay find and remove thedifficulty? If so, you may have reason for humiliation—but not fordespair.

Thus I have shown you how to keep your heart in dark and doubtingseasons. God forbid that any false heart should encourage itself fromthesethings.Itislamentable,thatwhenwegivesaintsandsinnerstheirproperportions—eachissopronetotakeuptheother'sportion!

InSeasonsofChristianSuffering

Another season wherein the heart must be kept with alldiligence—iswhensufferingsforChristsakearelaiduponus.BlessedisthemanwhoinsuchaseasonisnotoffendedinChrist.Now,whatever may be the kind or degree of your sufferings, if they aresufferings forChrist's sakeand theGospel's, sparenodiligence tokeepyourheart. If youare tempted to shrinkorwaverunder them, letwhatfollowshelpyoutorepelandtosurmounttheinstigation:

1.What reproachwouldyou castupon theRedeemerandhis

religion by deserting him at such a time as this! You wouldproclaim to the world, that however much you have boasted of thepromises,whenyouareputtotheproof—youdarehazardnothinguponthem;andthiswillgivetheenemiesofChristanoccasiontoblaspheme.Andwillyouthusfurnish theheathenwith triumph?Ah, if youdidbutvaluethenameofChristasmuchasmanywickedmenvaluetheirnames,you could never endure that his should be exposed to contempt. Willprouddustandasheshazarddeathorhellratherthanhavetheirnamesdisgraced;andwillyouendurenothingtomaintainthehonorofChrist?

2. Dare you violate your conscience out of complaisance tofleshandblood?Whowillcomfortyouwhenyourconscienceaccusesandcondemnsyou?Whathappinesscantherebeinlife,libertyorfriends—wheninwardpeaceistakenaway?Considerwellwhatyoudo.

3. Is not the public interest of Christ and his cause infinitelymoreimportantthananyinterestofyourown,andshouldyounot prefer his glory and the welfare of his kingdom beforeeverything else? Should any temporary suffering, or any sacrificewhich you can be called tomake, be allowed to come into competitionwiththehonorofhisname?

4.DidtheRedeemerneglectyourinterestandthinklightlyofyou, when for your sake he endured sufferings? Between yoursufferings and His—there can be no comparison. Did he hesitate andshrink back?No! "He endured the cross, despising the shame."Did hewithunbrokenpatienceandconstancyenduresomuchforyou—andwillyouflinchfrommomentarysufferinginhiscause?

5.Canyousoeasilycastoffthesocietyandtheprivilegesofthesaintsandgoovertotheenemy'sside?Areyouwillingtowithholdyour support from those who are determined to persevere, and throwyourinfluenceinthescaleagainstthem?Ratherletyourbodyandsoulberentasunder!"Ifanymandrawsback,mysoulshallhavenopleasureinhim."

6.HowcanyoustandbeforeChrist in thedayof judgment, ifyoudeserthimnow?"Hewhoisashamedofmeandofmywordsin

this adulterous and sinful generation, of him shall the Son of man beashamedwhenhecomesinthegloryofhisFatherwiththeholyangels."Inalittlewhile,theSonofmanwillcomeinthecloudsofheaven,withpowerandgreatglory,tojudgetheworld.Hewillsituponthethroneofjudgment,whileallthenationsarebroughtbeforehim.Imagineyourselfnow to be witnessing the transactions of that day. Behold the wicked;behold the apostates; and hear the dreadful sentence which ispronounceduponthem,andseethemsinkinginthegulfof infiniteandeverlasting woe! And will you desert Christ now, will you forsake hiscausetosavealittlesuffering,ortoprotractanunprofitablelifeonearth—andthusexposeyourselftothedoomoftheapostate?Remember,thatif you can silence the remonstrances of conscience now—you cannothinderthesentenceoftheJudgethen!Bythesemeanskeepyourheart,thatitdepartnotfromthelivingGod.

InSeasonsofSicknessandDeath

ThelastseasonwhichIshallmention,inwhichtheheartmustbe kept with all diligence—is when we are warned bySICKNESSthatourdeathisathand.WhenthechildofGoddrawsneartoeternity,theadversarymakeshislasteffort;andashecannotwinthesoulfromGod,ashecannotdissolvethebondwhichunitesthesoultoChrist—his great design is to awaken fears of death, to fill themindwith aversion and horror at the thoughts of dissolution from the body.Hence,whatshrinkingfromaseparation,whatfeartograspdeath'scoldhand, and unwillingness to depart—may sometimes be observed in thepeopleofGod.Butweoughttodie,aswellaslive—likesaints!

IshallofferseveralconsiderationscalculatedtohelpthepeopleofGodintimeofsickness, tokeep theirhearts loose fromallearthlyobjects, andcheerfullywillingtodie:

1.DeathisharmlesstothepeopleofGod.Death'sarrowshavenosting in them.Why thenareyouafraid that your sicknessmaybeunto

death?Ifyouweretodieinyoursins;ifdeathweretoreignoveryouasatyrant,tofeeduponyouasaliondoesuponhisprey;ifdeathtoyouweretobetheprecursorofhell—thenyoumightreasonablystartleandshrinkbackfromitwithhorroranddismay!Butifyoursinsareblottedout; ifChristhasvanquisheddeathinyourbehalf,sothatyouhavenothingtoencounterbutbodilypain,andpossiblynoteventhat;ifdeathwillbetoyou the harbinger of heaven—why should you be afraid?Why not biddeathwelcome?Deathcannothurtyou!Itiseasyandharmless;itislikeputtingoffyourclothes,oftakingrest.

2.Itmaykeepyourheartfromshrinkingback,toconsiderthatdeath is necessary to fit you for the full enjoyment of God.Whetheryouarewillingtodieornot, therecertainly isnootherwaytocompletethehappinessofyoursoul.Deathmustdoyouthekindofficetoremove thisveilof flesh, this carnal lifewhichseparatesyou fromGod,before you can see and enjoy him fully. "While we are at home in thebody,weareabsentfromtheLord."AndwhowouldnotbewillingtodiefortheperfectenjoymentofGod?Methinksonewouldlookandsigh,likeaprisoner,throughthegratesofthismortality:"OthatIhadwingslikeadove—then I would fly away and be at rest!" Indeed most men needpatience todie;butasaint,whounderstandswhatdeathwill introducehim to, rather needs patience to live.On his deathbed he should oftenlookoutandlistentohisLord'scoming;andwhenheperceiveshisdeathtobenear, he should say, "The voice ofmyBeloved!BeholdHe comesleapingoverthemountains,skippingoverthehills!"

3. Consider that the happiness of heaven commencesimmediatelyafterdeath.Thathappinesswillnotbedeferreduntiltheresurrection;butassoonasdeathhaspasseduponyou,yoursoulwillbeswallowed up in bliss. When you have once loosed from this earthlyshore,youshallbequicklywaftedtotheshoreofagloriouseternity.Andcanyounotsay—Idesiretodie,andtobewithChrist?Didthesoulandbodydietogether,ordidtheysleepuntiltheresurrection,assomehavefancied, it would have been folly for Paul to desire death for theenjoyment of Christ; because hewould have enjoyedmore in the bodythanhecouldhaveenjoyedoutofit.

TheScripturespeaksofbuttwowaysinwhichthesoulcanproperlylive:

thatis,byfaithandvision.Thesetwocomprehenditspresentandfutureexistence. Now, if when faith fails, and sight should not immediatelyfollow—whatwouldbecomeof thesoul?But thetruthonthissubject isclearly revealed in Scripture. See Luke 23: 3; John 14: 3, etc. What ablessedchangethen,willdeathmakeinyourcondition!Rouseup,dyingsaint,andrejoice;letdeathdohiswork,thattheangelsmayconductyoursoultotheworldoflight.

4. It may increase your willingness to die, to reflect that bydeath God often removes his people out of the way of greattroubles and temptations. When some extraordinary calamity iscomingupontheworld,Godsometimesremoveshissaintsoutofthewayof the evil. ThusMethuselah died the year before the flood; Augustinedied a little before the sacking of Hippo. Pareus died just before thetakingofHeidelburg.LutherobservesthatalltheapostlesdiedbeforethedestructionofJerusalem;andLutherhimselfdiedbeforethewarsbrokeout in Germany. How it may be that by death you will escape somegrievous trial, which you could not and need not endure. But if noextraordinary trouble would come upon you in case your life wereprolonged—yet God desires by death, to relieve you from innumerableevilsandburdenswhichare inseparable from thepresent earthly state.Thus you will be delivered from indwelling sin, which is the greatesttrouble; from all temptations fromwhatever source; from bodily painsandfailing;andfromalltheafflictionsandsorrowsofthislife.Thedaysofyourmourningwillbeended,andGodHimselfwillwipeawayalltearsfromyoureyes.Whythenshouldyounothastentodie?

5.Ifyoustilllinger,likeLotinSodom,whatareyourpleasandpretenses fora longer life?Why are you unwilling to die?Are youconcerned for the welfare of your relations? If so, are you anxious fortheirtemporalsupport?ThenletthewordofGodsatisfyyou:"Leaveyourfatherless children tome—I will keep them alive, and let your widowstrustinme."Luthersays,inhislastwill,"Lord,youhavegivenmeawifeandchildren,Ihavenothingtoleavethem—butIcommitthemuntoyou.OFatherofthefatherless,andJudgeofwidows—nourish,keepandteachthem."

But are you concerned for the spiritual welfare of your relations?

Remember that you cannot convert them, even if you should live.RememberthatGodcanmakeyourprayersandcounselseffectualwhenyouaredead.

Perhaps you desire to serve God longer in this world. But if he hasnothingfurtherforyoutodohere,whynotsaywithDavid,"HereamI—lethimdowhatseemsgoodtohim."Heiscallingyoutohigherserviceinheaven,andcanaccomplishbyotherhandswhatyoudesiretodofurtherhereonearth.Doyoufeel too imperfect togotoheaven?Consider thatyou must be imperfect until you die; your sanctification cannot becompleteuntilyougettoheaven.

'But,'yousay,'Ilackassurance;ifIhadthat,Icoulddieeasily.'Consider,then,thataheartywillingnesstoleavealltheworldtobefreedfromsin,andtobewithGod,isthedirectwaytothatdesiredassurance;nocarnalpersonwaseverwillingtodieuponthisground.

ThusIhaveshownhowthepeopleofGod,inthemostdifficultseasons—maykeeptheirheartswithalldiligence.

InowproceedtoimproveandAPPLYthesubject.

InowproceedtoimproveandAPPLYthesubject

You have seen that the keeping of the heart is the great work of aChristian, in which the very soul and life of true religion consists, andwithoutwhichallotherdutiesareofnovalueinthesightofGod.Hence,to their consternation, I givea specialwarning to hypocrites andformalprofessors—that thepainsand laborswhich theyhaveundergoneinreligionareofnovalue,andwillturntonogoodaccount.Manysplendidreligiousserviceshavebeenperformedbymen,whichGodwillutterlyreject!Theywillnotstandonrecordinordertoaneternal acceptance, because the performers took no heed to keep their

hearts with God. This is that fatal rock on which thousands of vainprofessorsdashandruinthemselveseternally!Theyareexactabouttheexternalsof religion—but heedless of their hearts! O how many hourshavesomeprofessorsspentinhearing,praying,readingandconferring!Andyet,astothemainendofpiety,theymightaswellhavesatstillanddone nothing—as the greatwork, Imean heart-work,was all the whileneglected. Tell me, vain professor, when did you shed a tear for thedeadness, hardness, unbelief or earthliness of your heart? And do youthink your easy, heartless religion can save you? If so, youmust invertChrist'swords,andsay,"Wideisthegateandbroadisthewaythatleadsto life, and many there are who enter." Hear me, you self-deludinghypocrite;youwhohaveputoffGodwithheartlessduties—youwhohaveactedas if youhadbeenworshipingan idol!Youwhocould not searchyourheart,andregulateit,andexerciseitinyourperformances;howwillyouabidethecomingoftheLord?howwillyouholdupyourheadbeforehim,whenheshallsay."Oyoushamming,false-heartedman!Howcouldyou profess to worshipme—without your heart?With what face couldyousooftentellmethatyoulovedme,whenyouknewinyourconsciencethat your heart was not with me?" O tremble to think what a fearfuljudgmentitistobegivenovertoaheedlessandcarelessheart,andthento havemere religious duties, instead of a rattle, to quiet and still theconscience!

I infer for their humiliation, that unless the people of Godspend more time and pains about their hearts than theyordinarilydo—theyareneverlikelytodoGodmuchservice,ortopossessmuchcomfortinthisworld.ImaysayofthatChristianwhoisremissandcarelessinkeepinghisheart,asJacobsaidofReuben,"youshallnotexcel."ItgrievesmetoseehowmanyChristianstherearewholiveatapoor,lowrate—bothofserviceandcomfort,andwhogoupanddowndejectedandcomplaining.Buthowcan theyexpect it shouldbe otherwise,while they live so carelessly?Ohow little of their time isspentinthecloset,insearching,humbling,andquickeningtheirhearts!

Christian,yousayyourheartisdead,anddoyouwonderthatitis,solongasyoudonotnourishitwiththefountainoflife?Ifyourbodyhadbeenasstarvedasyoursoulhas—thatwouldhavebeendeadtoo.Andyoumay

neverexpectthatyourheartwillbeinabetterstate—untilyoutakemorepainswithit.

OChristians!Ifearyourzealandstrengthhaveruninthewrongchapel;Ifear that most of us may take up the Church's complaint: "They havemademe thekeeperof thevineyards—butmyownvineyardhave Inotkept!"Twothingshaveeatenupthetimeandstrengthoftheprofessorsofthisgeneration,andsadlydivertedthemfromheart-work.

First. Fruitless controversies, started by Satan, have greatlyincreased the neglect of our hearts. Satan's purpose in fruitlesscontroversies, is to takeusoff frompracticalgodliness,and tomakeuspuzzle our heads—whenwe should be inspecting our hearts.How littlehavewe regarded the observation: "It is a good thing that theheart beestablishedwithgrace, andnotwithmeats," (that is,withdisputesandcontroversies about meats,) "which have not profited those who havebeenoccupiedtherein."Howmuchbetter it is to seemen liveexactly—thantohearthemdisputewithsubtlety!Theseunfruitfulquestions,howhave they rent the churches, wasted time and energy, and takenChristiansofffromtheirmainbusiness!WoulditnothavebeenbetterifthequestionsagitatedamongthepeopleofGodoflatehadbeensuchasthese: "How shall a man distinguish the special from the commonoperations of the Spirit? Howmay a soul discern its first backslidingsfromGod?HowmayabackslidingChristianrecoverhisfirst love?Howmay the heart be preserved from unseasonable thoughts in duty?Howmay a bosom-sin be discovered and mortified?" etc. Would not thiscoursehavetendedmoretothehonoroftruereligionandthecomfortofsouls? I am ashamed that the professors of this generation are yetinsensible of their folly. O that God would turn their disputes andcontentions,intopracticalgodliness!

Second. Worldly cares and encumbrances have greatlyincreased the neglect of our hearts. The heads and hearts ofmultitudes have been filled with such a crowd and noise of worldlybusiness,thattheyhavelamentablydeclinedintheirzeal,theirlove,theirdelight in God, and their heavenly, serious, and profitable way ofconversingwithmen.Howmiserablyhaveweentangledourselvesinthiswilderness of trifles! Our discourses, our conferences, no, our very

prayersaretingedwithit!Wehavehadsomuchtodowithout,thatwehave been able to do but little within. And how many preciousopportunities have we thus lost? Howmany admonitions of the Spirithavepassedoverunfruitfully?HowoftenhastheLordcalledtous,whenourworldlythoughtshavepreventedusfromhearing?Buttherecertainlyis away to enjoyGodeven inourworldly employments. Ifwe loseourviewsofhimwhenengagedinourtemporalaffairs,thefaultisourownsAlas! that Christians should stand at the door of eternity, havingmoresoul-workupontheirhands than their time issufficient for—andyetbefillingtheirheadsandheartswithtrifles!

Iinfer,lastly,fortheawakeningofall,thatifthekeepingoftheheartbethegreatworkofaChristian, thentherearebut fewrealChristiansintheworld.IfeveryonewhohaslearnedthedialectofChristianity, andwho can talk like a saint; if everyonewhohas giftsandabilities,andwhocanpreach,pray,ordiscourselikeaChristian;inaword, if all such as associate with the people of God and partake ofordinances may pass for Christians—then indeed the number is great!Butalas!howfewcanhefound,ifyoujudgethembythisrule—howfewaretherewhoconscientiouslykeeptheirhearts,watchtheirthoughtsandlook scrupulously to their motives! Indeed there are few closet-menamongprofessors.Itiseasierformentobereconciledtoanyotherdutiesinreligionthantothese.Theprofanepartoftheworldwillnotsomuchasmeddlewiththeoutsideofanypiousduties,andleastofallwiththese;andastothehypocrite,thoughhemaybeveryparticular inexternals—youcanneverpersuadehimtoundertakethisinward,thisdifficultwork;thiswork, towhich there is no inducement fromhuman applause; thiswork,whichwouldquicklyunveilwhatthehypocritecaresnottoknow.So thatbygeneral consent, thisheart-work isonlydonebya fewpiousones—andItrembletothinkhowfew!

If the keeping of the heart be so important a business; if such greatadvantagesresultfromit;ifsomanyvaluableinterestsarewrappedupinit—thenletmecalluponthepeopleofGodeverywheretoengageheartilyin thiswork!Ostudyyourhearts,watchyourhearts,keepyourhearts!Awaywithfruitlesscontroversiesandallidlequestions;awaywithemptynames and vain shows; away with unprofitable discourse and bold

censures of others—and turn in upon yourselves! O that this day, thishour,youwouldresolveupondoingso!

Reader,methinksIshallprevailwithyou.All that Ibeg for is this, thatyouwouldstepasideoftener to talkwithGodandyourownheart; thatyouwouldnotalloweverytrifletodivertyou;thatyouwouldkeepamoretrueandfaithfulaccountofyourthoughtsandaffections;thatyouwouldseriouslydemandofyourownheartatleasteveryevening—'Omyheart,wherehaveyoubeentoday,andwhathasengagedyourthoughts?'

Ifallthathasbeensaidbywayofinducementisnotenough,IhavetenMOTIVESforkeepingthehearttoofferyou:

1. The studying, observing, and diligently keeping your ownheart, will surprisingly help you to UNDERSTAND the deepmysteries of religion. An honest, well experienced heart is anexcellenthelptothehead.Suchaheartwillserveforacommentaryonagreat part of the Scriptures. Bymeans of such a heart you will have abetter understanding of divine things than the most learned, butgracelessmaneverhad,orcanhave.Youwillnotonlyhaveaclearer—buta more interesting and profitable apprehension of them. A man maydiscourse orthodoxly and profoundly of the nature and effects of faith,the troubles and comforts of conscience, and the sweetness ofcommunion with God—who has never felt the efficacy and sweetimpressionofthesethingsuponhisownsoul.Buthowdarkanddryarehisnotions,comparedwiththoseofanexperiencedChristian!

2.ThestudyandobservationofyourownheartwillpowerfullysecureyouagainstthedangerousandinfectingERRORSofthetimesinwhichyoulive.What is thereasonwhysomanyprofessorshavedeparted fromthe faith,givingheed to fables?Whyhavesomanybeenledawaybytheerrorofthewicked?Whyhavethosewhohavesowncorruptdoctrineshadsuchplentifulharvestsamongus—butbecausetheyhave met with a race of professors who never knew what belongs topracticalgodliness,andthestudyandkeepingoftheirhearts?

3.YourcareanddiligenceinkeepingyourheartwillproveoneofthebestevidencesofyourSINCERITY.Iknownoexternalactofreligion,whichtrulydistinguishesthesoundfromtheunsoundprofessor.It is astonishing how far hypocrites go in all external duties; howplausibly they can order the outwardman, hiding all their indecenciesfromtheobservationoftheworld!Buttheytakenoheedtotheirhearts.Theyarenotinsecretwhattheyappeartobeinpublic!Andbeforethistestnohypocritecanstand.Theymay, indeed, inafitofterror,oronadeath-bed, cry out of thewickedness of their hearts; but such extortedcomplaintsarewhollyofnoregard.Nocredit,inlaw,istobegiventothetestimony of one upon the rack, because it may be supposed that theextremity of his torturewillmakehim say anything to get relief. But ifself-jealousy,careandwatchfulnessarethedailyworkingsandframesofyourheart—youhavegreatevidenceofyoursincerity.

4. How comfortable and how profitable would allORDINANCESanddutiesbetoyou,ifyourheartwasfaithfullykept.What livelycommunionmightyouhavewithGodeverytimeyouapproachhim,ifyourheartwasinarightframe!YoumightthensaywithDavid,"MymeditationofHimshallbesweet." It is the indispositionoftheheartwhichrendersordinances,andsecretduties—socomfortlesstosome. They strive to raise their hearts to God, now pressing thisargument upon them, then that, to quicken and affect them. Yet theyoften get nearly through the exercise before their hearts begins to beinterestedinit;andsometimestheygoawaynobetterthantheycame!But the Christian whose heart is prepared by being constantly kept,entersimmediatelyendheartilyintohisduties;heoutstripshissluggishneighbor, gets the first sight ofChrist in a sermon; the first love-tokenfromChristinanordinance;thefirstcommunicationofgraceandloveinsecret prayer. Now if there is anything valuable and comfortable inordinancesandprivateduties—looktoyourheartandkeepit,Ibeseechyou.

5. An acquaintance with your own heart will furnish you afountain ofmatter inPRAYER.Themanwho is diligent in heart-work,willlierichlysuppliedwithmatterinhisaddressestoGod.Hewillnotbeconfusedforlackofthoughts;histonguewillnotfalterforlackof

expressions.

6.Themostdesirablethingintheworld,thatis,theREVIVALofreligionamongapeople,maybeeffectedbymeansofwhatIamurginguponyou.OthatImightseethetimewhenprofessorsshallnotwalkinavainshow;whentheyshallpleasethemselvesnomorewitha name to live, while they are spiritually dead; when they shall be nomoreacompanyoffrothy,vainpeople;butwhenholinessshallshineintheir lives, and awe theworld, and command respect from allwho arearoundthem;when they shallwarm the heart of thosewho comenearthem,andcauseittobesaid,"Godistrulyamongthesemen!"Andmaysuch a time be expected? Until heart-work becomes the business ofprofessors,Ihavenohopeofseeingathingsoblessed!Doesitnotgrieveyoutoseehowreligioniscondemnedandtrampledunderfoot,andtheprofessorsofitridiculedandscornedintheworld?Professors,wouldyourecover your credit? Would you obtain an honorable testimony in theconsciencesofyourveryenemies?Thenkeepyourhearts!

7. By diligence in keeping our hearts we should prevent theoccasions of fatal scandals and STUMBLING-BLOCKS to theworld.Woetotheworldbecauseofstumblingblocks!

8.Keep yourheart faithfully, and youwill bePREPARED forany situation or service towhich youmay be called.This, andthisalone,callproperlyfityouforusefulnessinanystation;butwiththisyoucanendureprosperityoradversity;youcandenyyourself,andturnyour hand to any work. Thus Paul turned every circumstance to goodaccount, and made himself so eminently useful. When he preached toothers,heprovidedagainstbeingcastawayhimself—becausehekepthisheart! Everything in which he excelled seems to have had a closeconnectionwithhisdiligenceinkeepinghisheart.

9.IfthepeopleofGodwoulddiligentlykeeptheirhearts,theirCOMMUNION with each other would be unspeakably moreinviting and profitable. Then "how goodly would be your tents, OJacob, and your tabernacles, O Israel!" It is the fellowship which thepeopleofGodhavewiththeFatherandwiththeSon—whichkindlesthedesiresofotherstohavecommunionwiththem!Itellyou,thatifsaints

wouldbepersuadedtospendmoretimeandtakemorepainsabouttheirhearts, therewould soonbe such adivine excellence in their lives, thatotherswouldaccountitagreatprivilegetobewithornearthem.

It is thepride,passionandearthlinessofourhearts—whichhasspoiledChristianfellowship.Whyis itthatwhenChristiansmeettheyareoftenjarring and contending—but because their passions are unmortified?Whence come their uncharitable censures of their brethren—but fromtheir ignorance of themselves? Why are they so rigid and unfeelingtoward those who have fallen—but because they do not feel their ownweaknessandliabilitytotemptation?Whyistheirdiscoursesolightandunprofitable when theymeet—but because their hearts are earthly andvain?Butnow,ifChristianswouldstudytheirheartsmoreandkeepthembetter, the beauty and glory of communion would be restored. Theywoulddividenomore, contendnomore, censure rashlynomore.Theywillfeelrightonetowardanother—wheneachisdailyhumbledunderasenseoftheevilofhisownheart!

10. Lastly—Keep your heart, and then the COMFORTS of theSpirit and the influence of all ordinances will bemore fixedand lasting than they now are. Do the consolations of God seemsmalltoyou?Ah,youhavereasontobeashamedthattheordinancesofGod,astotheirquickeningandcomfortingeffects,shouldmakesolightandtransientanimpressiononyourheart!

Now, reader, consider well these special benefits of keeping theheart which I have mentioned. Examine their importance. Are theysmallmatters?Isitasmallmattertohaveyourunderstandingassisted?Is itasmallmatter tohaveyourendangeredsoul renderedsafe? Is it asmallmatter tohaveyoursincerityproved?Is itasmallmatter tohaveyourcommunionwithGodsweetened?Isitasmallmattertohaveyourheartfilledwithmatterforprayer?Isitasmallthingtohavethepowerofgodliness? Is it a small matter to have fatal scandals removed? Is it asmallmattertoobtainagreatfitnesstoserveChrist?Isitasmallmattertohave the communionof saints restored to its primitive glory? Is it asmallmatter tohave the influenceofordinancesabiding in thesoulsofsaints? If these are no common blessings, no ordinary benefits, thensurely it is a great and indispensable duty to keep the heart with all

diligence.

And now are you inclined to undertake the business of keeping yourheart? Are you resolved upon it? I charge you, then, to engage in itearnestly!Awaywitheverycowardlyfeeling,andmakeupyourmindtoencounter difficulties.Draw your armor from theword ofGod. Let theword of Christ dwell in you richly, in its commands, its promises, itsthreateningsLetthewordofChristbefixedinyourunderstanding,yourmemory, your conscience, your affections. Youmust learn towield thesword of the Spirit (which is theword ofGod) familiarly, if youwoulddefend your heart and conquer your enemies. You must call yourselffrequently toanaccount.Examineyourselfas in thepresenceof theallseeing God. Bring your conscience, as it were, to the bar of judgment.Bewarehowyouplungeyourselfintoamultiplicityofworldlybusiness—howyoupracticeuponthemaximsoftheworld—andhowyouventuretoindulge your depraved propensities. You must exercise the utmostvigilance to discover and check the first symptoms of departure fromGod,theleastdeclineofspirituality,ortheleastindispositiontoprivatemeditation, and holy conversation and fellowship with others. Thesethings you must undertake, in the strength of Christ, with invincibleresolutionattheoutset.

Andifyouthusengageinthisgreatwork,beassuredyoushallnotspendyourstrength fornothing!Comfortswhichyounever feltor thoughtof,will flow in upon you from every side. The diligent prosecution of thiswork will constantly afford you the most powerful excitements tovigilanceandardorinthelifeoffaith,whileitincreasesourstrengthandwears out your enemies. And when you have kept your heart with alldiligencealittlewhile—whenyouhavefoughtthebattlesofthisspiritualwarfare, gained the ascendancy over the corruptions within, andvanquishedtheenemieswithout—thenGodwillopenthegateofheavento you, and give you the portion which is promised to those whoovercome!Awakethen,thismoment;gettheworldunderyourfelt,pantnot for the things which amanmay have, and eternally lose his soul!Bless God that youmay have his servicehere, and thegloryhereafterwhichheappointstohischosen.

"Nowmay the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord

Jesus—thegreatShepherdofthesheep—withthebloodoftheeverlastingcovenant, equip youwith all that is good to doHiswill, working in uswhat is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be gloryforeverandever.Amen.Brothers,Iurgeyoutoreceivethiswordofexhortation,forIhavewrittentoyouinfewwords."Hebrews13:20-22

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