Covenant-keeping the way to blessedness, or, A brief discourse wherein is shown the connection…Covenant-keeping the way to blessedness, or, A brief discourse wherein is shewn the connexion…

4. Consider what it is that you desire may follow ⟨p. 145⟩upon this days work. I dare presume, that there is never an one of you but propounds to himself some good effect to ensue upon so solemn an affair as this is; and so indeed their will if it be not our own fault: But yet (on the other hand) take this also for an undoubted truth, that if your hearts do here dissemble, and deal falsely, not good, but evil is to be expected to follow. You would have God's anger turned away, which hath broken in upon us, & laid wast many of our pleasant things; you would enjoy Him as a reconciled God; you would have Him to own us signally by some tokens of His favour; whatever your desires be, the want of a right heart in the duty will frustrate all. It is with you now to procure Life or Death, God's Favour or more of His Anger. Alas! God is not delighted in a pompous show, and a great appearance of seeming solemnity, as we poor Men are apt to be; God's heart is no ways engaged to us by such things; an humble, an holy and a contrite heart, is that which reacheth His heart, and will procure His Love and Favour. Let but your hearts be right with the Lord, And I dare promise you that His shall be so with you; and He shall so witness it, as not only you, but others also shall see and observe it. Eminent for this was that hearty Covenant of Asa's, of which we have that memorable note, 2 Chro. 15. 15. All Judah rejoiced at the Oath, for they had sworn with all their Heart, and sought Him with their whole desire, and He was found of them: And the Lord gave them rest round about. If you be not great Gainers you will be great losers. If you think to deceive God, He will certainly deceive you: And whiles you are vainly gaping after and promising your selves Mercy and deliverance, you shall find Plagues and Miseries increase: But be faithful, and you shall prosper, God, even your own God, shall bless you.

4. Consider what it is that you desire may follow ⟨p. 145⟩upon this dayes work. I dare presume, that there is never an one of you but propounds to himself some good effect to ensue upon so solemn an affair as this is; and so indeed their will if it be not our own fault: But yet (on the other hand) take this also for an undoubted truth, that if your hearts do here dissemble, and deal falsly, not good, but evil is to be expected to follow. You would have God's anger turned away, which hath broken in upon us, & laid wast many of our pleasant things; you would enjoy Him as a reconciled God; you would have Him to own us signally by some tokens of His favour; whatever your desires be, the want of a right heart in the duty wil frustrate all. It is with you now to procure Life or Death, God's Favour or more of His Anger. Alas! God is not delighted in a pompous shew, and a great appearance of seeming solemnity, as we poor Men are apt to be; God's heart is no wayes engaged to us by such things; an humble, an holy and a contrite heart, is that which reacheth His heart, and will procure His Love and Favour. Let but your hearts be right with the Lord, And I dare promise you that His shall be so with you; and He shall so witness it, as not only you, but others also shall see and observe it. Eminent for this was that hearty Covenant of Asa's, of which we have that memorable note,