This, then, I say, is pre-required, as a quahfication of any person to the performance of this duty of abiding with God. It is the psalmist's advice, Ps. ii. 11, 12. Let this principle be always owned amongst you ; by it honour Christ in the world. Give him the pre-
4IG god's PRESENCE
eminence ; it is the Father's will he should have it m all things. Ex- pect not the presence of God, but upon this account. Bear testimony herein against the world of profane men, who despise these things. Seeing, then, it cannot be expected to have this qualification diffused universally, as yet, through the body of the people, let the rulers take care that they be not the cause of God's departure from us.
[2.] What is it, now, for such persons to abide with God, so as they may expect comfortably the continuance of his presence vntli them ? — which is their all that they need or desire. I shall name some few things that are signally required thereunto.
1st. That they inquire of God, ask counsel at his hand, — look to him for direction in all their affairs. He is present with them to give them direction : — not to seek for it at his hand, is exceedingly to despise him. It must arise from one of these two apprehensions; — either he cares not for us, or he knows not how to direct us. AVhen he gave direction by the cloud on the tabernacle, the people being reproved for their carnal fears and unbelief upon the return of the spies, some of them vv^ould needs instantly into the mountain, and fight with the Canaanites ; but, says the Holy Ghost, the " ark abode in the camp. " They went without God's dhection, and prospered ac- cordingly. With what contempt doth God speak of the wisdom and counsels of the sons of men, when they will adhere unto them ! How does he make it his glory, to turn all their consultations into foll}^, and to make them err in their ways like a dnmken man ! How doth he bid them take counsel together, when he intends to destroy them ! What instances may be given of all good and prosperous rulers of old, of their seeking direction from God ! What promises of a suc- cess, and a blessed issue in so doing, are there ! The words of my text will suffice as an instance in every kind.
But you will say. How shall we inquire of God ?
The nations had their oracles, whereby they deluded themselves. The people of God had their Urim and Thummim, their prophets and oracle. " Bring hither the ephod, and inquhe of God," was the word with them. But, alas ! what is all this to the advantage we have of seeking counsel of God, and taking direction from him? AVe have a High Priest always present with us, by whom we may inquire. Our high priest is the angel of God's presence, the mighty counsellor, the power and eternal wisdom of God himself And where is he? He appears in the presence of God for us, in the holy place not made with hands, having made a new and living way for us to come witliin the vail, to inquire of the oracle. AVhat would we have more? He is our captain, our leader, our high priest, urim and thummim, our oracle, our ark, on whom the cloud of direction rests and abides for ever. Would you, then, be with God? Take direction from him by
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Christ in all your uudertakings ; so do in deed, and not in word or profession only.
I hope I need not stay to give you directions how this duty is to be performed. The " unction" will teach it you, and your " fellow- ship," I hope, " is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ." Only now take these few v/ords with you: —
(Is^.) Captivate all your desires to his glory. Set your hearts on nothing, but with this express reserve, — If it is consistent Avith and expedient unto the glory of Christ and his kingdom. Be not sick of your own violent desires ; but lay all your aims and designs at his feet always, becoming as weaned children before him.
{^dly) Bear before him a real sense of your own weakness and folly, both severally and jointly, if not directed by him, that in his pity and compassion he may relieve you.
(Sdly.) Keep your hearts in that integiity, that you may always I^ress and urge him with his own concernment in all your afFau's. This is a thing that none but upright hearts can do viprightly.
(■ithlif.) Actually inquire hy faith and prayer, what is his will and mind; — do it severally and jointly; — do it privately, publicly; — do it every day, and in days set apart for that purpose. He will assuredly be found of you. You know how easy it were to exemplify all these things by testimonies and instances; but time will not permit.
If, instead of these things, you bear yourselves up on the wings of your own wisdom and contrivances, — though you may seem for a sea- son to have attained a fan- pitch and flight, you will be entangled, and brought do^vn in the midst of your course with shame and sor- row : for the Lord will not be with you.