The blessedness of the righteous discoursed from Psal. 17, 15 /The blessednesse of the righteous discoursed from Psal. 17, 15 /

And as to forbidden things, should we be so proud, so passionate, so earthly, so sensual, if we had God more in view? Should we so much seek our selves, and indulge our own wills, and humours, drive a design with such solicitude, and intention of mind, for our private interests? should we walk at such a latitude, and more consult our own inclination than our rule, allow our selves in so much vanity of conversation, did we mind God as we ought?

And as to forbidden things, should we be so proud, so passionate, so earthly, so sensual, if we had God more in view? Should we so much seek our selves, and indulge our own wills, and humors, drive a design with such solicitude, and intention of mind, for our private interests? should we walk at such a latitude, and more consult our own inclination than our rule, allow our selves in so much vanity of conversation, did we mind God as we ought?

And do we not sensibly punish our selves in this neglect? what a dismal Chaos is this world while we see not God in it. To live destitute of a divine presence, to discern no beam of the heavenly glory. To go up and down day by day, and perceive nothing of God, no glimmering, no appearance; this is disconsolate, as well as sinful darkness. What can we make of Creatures, what of the daily events of Providence, if we see not in them the ⟨p. 311⟩glory of a Deity; if we do not contemplate, and adore the divine wisdom, power, and goodness, diffused every where. Our practical Atheism, and inobservance of God makes the World become to us the region and shadow of death, states us as among Ghosts, and Spectres, makes all things look with a ghastly face, imprints death upon every thing we see, encircles us with gloomy dreadful shades, and with uncomfortable apparitions. To behold the tragical Spectacles always in view, the violent lusts, the rapine and rage of some, the calamitous sufferings, the miseries, and ruins of others, to hear every corner resounding with the insultations of the Oppressor, and the mournful groans of the oppressed, what a painful continuing death were it to be in the world without God! At the best all things were but a vanishing scheme, an Image seen in the dark. The Creation, a thing, the fashion whereof were passing away. The whole Contexture, and System of Providence were mere confusion, without the least concinnity or order. Religion an acknowledged trile, a mere mockery? What, to wink our selves into so much darkness, and desolation? And by sealing up our eyes against the divine light and glory, to confirm so formidable miseries upon our own souls? how dreadfully, shall we, herein, revenge our own folly in nullifying him to our selves, who is the All in All? Sure there is little of Heaven in all this?