1III. SEE hence what grand necessity we have of Watchfulness;2 that most continual duty of a Christian; this is the garment we must put on next us every day, especially in every duty. Between duties, that we may not want praying hearts; in duties, that we miss not prayer-blessings. Some duties bind always, but not to be always done, as prayer, hearing, meditation, but you can be safe no where without your watch*, at all times, in all places, with all companies, yea with no company, in all callings; there is a snare for the heart every where. Wherefore saith the Prophet Hosea 12.6. Wait on thy God continually; and the wise man, Prov. 23, 17. Be thou in the fear of the Lord all ⟨p. 227⟩the day long; especially, but not only in your morning and evening sacrifices. It is a true and a sad observation, that many praying people are most devout and serious in God's service morning and evening; but trace them all day long, hardly one word of God, or Heaven in their mouths, as if Religion were hemmed up in times of Worship; nay, they are often most light and vain betwixt times: but be thou IN the fear of the Lord, involved, surrounded and swallowed up in the sense and fear of God's glorious presence, all the day long*. This will dispose you to duties of Worship. A watchful Christian hath his heart ready at a call: it is quickly in tune that was never out. Holy duties are not heterogeneous to any holy heart, the same frame will serve. He that walks with God, is never out of his way. A short, or rather no preface, will serve to usher in conference, with whom you have been conversing all the day. It is sometimes the whole work of a prayer to be acquainted with God. Away with this strangeness; if you will be upright, walk before God, and watch unto prayer. Methinks, sincerity and watchfulness are ⟨p. 228⟩the Catholic Graces*. Sincerity makes every grace true, watchfulness makes every grace sure. Of all graces, study these Catholic Graces. Here is the essence, here is the quintessence of Religion. O therefore prize this Angelical, this Evangelical Grace, pray for it, Psal. 141.3. Set a watch O Lord before my mouth, keep the door of my lips; for except the Lord do keep the City, the watch-man waketh but in vain. Thou art impotent, God is omnipotent. And then practise it, the use of it will teach the Art of it; as children learn to go step by step, as they learn to swim, by venturing.
1III. SEE hence what grand necesit•y we have of Watchfulness;2 that most continual duty of a Christian; this is the garment we must put on next us every day, especially in every duty. Between duties, that we may not want praying hearts; in duties, that we miss not prayer-blessings. Some duties bind alwaies, but not to be alwaies done, as prayer, hearing, meditation, but you can be safe no where without your watch*, at all times, in all places, with all companies, yea with no company, in all callings; there is a snare for the heart every where. Wherefore saith the Prophet Hosea 12.6. Wait on thy God continually; and the wise man, Prov. 23, 17. Be thou in the fear of the Lord all ⟨p. 227⟩the day long; especially, but not only in your morning and evening sacrifices. It is a true and a sad observation, that many praying people are most devout and serious in God's service morning and evening; but trace them all day long, hardly one word of God, or Heaven in their mouths, as if Religion were hem'd up in times of Worship; nay, they are often most light and vain betwixt times: but be thou IN the fear of the Lord, involved, surrounded and swallowed up in the sense and fear of God's glorious presence, all the day long*. This will dispose you to duties of Worship. A watchful Christian hath his heart ready at a call: it is quickly in tune that was never out. Holy duties are not heterogeneous to any holy heart, the same frame will serve. He that walks with God, is never out of his way. A short, or rather no preface, will serve to usher in conference, with whom you have been conversing all the day. It is sometimes the whole work of a prayer to be acquainted with God. Away with this strangeness; if you will be upright, walk before God, and watch unto prayer. Methinks, sincerity and watchfulness are ⟨p. 228⟩the Catholick Graces*. Sincerity makes every grace true, watchfulness makes every grace sure. Of all graces, study these Catholick Graces. Here is the essence, here is the quintessence of Religion. O therefore prize this Angelical, this Evangelical Grace, pray for it,
- 1§. 3.
- 2III. The great need of watchfulness.
- *Nusquam securitas neque in coelo, neque in paradiso, multò minus in mundo. In coelo cecidit Angelus sub praesentia Divinitatis, Adam in Paradis• de loco voluptatis, Juda• in mundo de schola salvatoris. Bernard.Nusquam securitas neque in coelo, neque in paradiso, multò minus in mundo. In coelo cecidit Angelus sub praesentia Divinitatis, Adam in Paradis• de loco voluptatis, Iuda• in mundo de schola salvatoris. Bernard.
- *Philo describing the Therapeulae by some thought to be Christians, says, They have God perpetually in their mind, insomuch that in their dreams they see nothing but the beauty of the divine powers. Dr. Light•. on Acts. p. 296.Philo describing the Therapeulae by some thought to be Christians, saies, They have God perpetually in their mind, insomuch that in their dreams they see nothing but the beauty of the divine powers. Dr. Light•. on Acts. p. 296.
- *Sine hac nec amanda est ipsa charitas, nec ipsi sidei fidendum, nec benè sperandum de ipsa spe. Dr. Arrowsmith.
