1 contemning the world when one can command it at pleasure, continuing instant in prayer even when we want the confolation we expected: Thefe, and fuch-like inftances of felf-denial, God will greatly reward. They who imagine that felf-denial intrenches upon our liberty, do not know that it is this only that can make us free indeed, giving us the victory over ourselves, setting us free from the bondage of our corruption, enabling us to bear afflictions, (which will come one time or other) to foresee them without amazement, enlightening the mind, fanctifying the will, and making us to flight thofe baubles which others fo eagerly contend for. Mortification confifts in fuch a fparing ufe of the creatures, as may deaden our love for them, and make us more indifferent in the enjoyment of them. This leffens the weight of concupifcence, which carries us to evil, and fo makes the grace of God D 5 more more effectual to turn the balance of the will." Carnal man cannot comprehend that God loves those whom he permits to fuffer;-but faith teaches us, that the cross is the gift of his love, the foundation of our hope, the mark of his children, and the title of an inheritance in heaven. But unless God fanctify it by his Spirit, it becomes an infupportable burthen, a fubject of murmuring, and an occafion of fin. He that loveth life, (that is, is fond of it) for the fake of the pleasures and advantages it affords, will foon lofe the love of heavenly things, the love of God, of his foul, and of the duty he owes to them: He hates it, who does not value it in comparison of eternal life, which he hopes for. A Chriftian gives proof of this, by mortifying himself. Those whom God loves, in order to an happy eternity, he weans from the pleafures of this prefent life. Norris's Chriftian Prudence, p. 300. of Temperance confifts in a fober ufe of ail earthly, vifible things, and in confining ourselves within the compass of what is neceffary. With God all things are poffible. The Almighty God enable me to conquer the temptations of riches, and to get above the allurements of this prefent life. Chriftian felf-denial is, to refift and crucify in ourselves the fpirit and inclinations of Adam, the flesh, its affections, and lufts,-to die to our paffions, in order to follow the motions of the Spirit. Fafting, Neceffary to bring our hearts to a penitent, holy, and devout temper; and to perform the vows that are upon us. By fafting, by alms, and by prayers, we dedicate our bodies, goods, and fouls, to God in a particular manner. THURSDAY THURSDAY MEDITATIONS. Ephef. iv. 29. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the ufe of edifying, that it may minifter grace unto the bearers. Ephef. v. 4. Foolish talking; and jefting, are not convenient. PRE RESERVE me, O God, from a vain converfation. Give me grace never to be ashamed or afraid to speak of Thee, and of thy law. Give me a lively sense of the value of religion, and make it the delight of my heart; that I may fpeak of it with judgment, seriousness, and affection, and at all seasonable times. May that good Spirit, which appeared in the likeness of tongues of fire, warm my heart, and direct my thoughts. Matth. - How Matth. xii. 34. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth Speaketh. can ye, being evil, Speak good things?By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. Pfa. cxli. 3. Set a guard, O Lord, upon my mouth, and keep the door of my lips. Pfa. xxxvii. 30. The mouth of the righteous fpeaketh wisdom, and his tongue. talketh of judgment. Hearts truly touched with the love of God, will communicate light and heat to each other, will fpeak honourably of God, of his perfections, his juftice, goodnefs, wifdom, and power,-the excellency of his laws,the pleasantnefs of his fervice,-the inftances of his love,-the rewards he has promised to his friends, and the punishments he has prepared for his enemies. Matth. v. 16. Let your light fo fhine before men, that they may fee your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. i Theff. |