SER M. the Scripture reprefents Angels, as rejoy 18. Joh. iv. Which cing and delighting to perform their Lord's THESE are the Circumftances requifite to make the performance of this Duty acceptable and complete: We must love the Lord our God, with all our Heart, with all our Soul, with all our Strength, and with all our Mind. The IIId and last thing obfervable in the Text, is the Weight and Importance of the Duty; It is the First and great Commandment. The Reafon is, becaufe 'tis the Foundation of all; and, without Regard to God, there can be no Religion. Not that Virtue, at any time, or in any perfon V. perfon whatsoever, can be not praise-wor- SER M. have very SERMON VI Of the FEAR of GOD. JOB Xxiii. 15. Therefore am I troubled at his prefence: When I confider, I am afraid of him. I N This Chapter Job gives a SERM. and Omnifcience of God. Ver. 8. Behold, I go forward, but he is not there: and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand where he doth work, but I cannot behold him; he bideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot fee him: But he knoweth the way that I 4 SER M. that I take. To a man of Virtue and In VI. tegrity, the confideration of This great Truth is a folid Ground of real and lasting Satisfaction. He knoweth the way that I take: My foot bath held his fteps; his way have I kept, and not declined: Neither have I gone back from the Commandment of his Lips: I have efteemed the Words of his Mouth, more than my necessary Food, ver. 11. In times of Affliction particularly, 'tis an inexpreffible Support, if a man can be able to say with this exemplary perfon, ver. 3. O that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his Seat! I would order my Caufe before him, and fill my Mouth with Arguments.- -Will be plead against me with his great Power? No; but he would put Strength in me. He knoweth the Way that I take: When he bath tried me, I fhall come forth as Gold. Nevertheless, though the Hope fignified by these high Expreffions, is indeed a well-grounded Hope, and what the Apostle St John 1 Joh. iii. Calls, an affuring of our Hearts before God; Yet confidering the infinite Purity of the Divine Nature, and the Frailnefs of this our mortal State, and the unprofitableness 19. |