But herein consists the very life of all religion. The fear of God is in the Old Testament the usual expression of all the due respect of our souls unto him ; and that because where that is not in exercise, nothing is accepted with him. And thence the vvholeof our wisdom is said to consist there- in; and if it be not in a prevalent exercise in all wherein we have to do with him immediately, all our duties are utterly lost as to the ends of his glory, and the spiritual advantage of our own souls.
CHAP. IX.
What of God or in God we are to think and meditate upon. His being ; reasons of it ; oppositions to it ; the tvay of their conquest. Thoughts of the omnipresence and omniscience of God, peculiarly necessary. The reasons hereof As also of his omnipotency. The use and benefit of such thoughts.
These things mentioned have been premised in general, as unto the nature, manner, and way of exercise of our thoughts on God. That which remains is to give some particular in- stances of what we are to think upon in an especial man- voL. xin. z
338 THE GRACE AND DUTY OF
ner ; and what we will be conversant withal in our thoughts, if so be we are spiritually minded. And I shall not insist at present on the things which concern his grace and love in Christ Jesus, which belong unto another head, but on those which have an immediate respect unto the divine na- ture itself, and its holy essential properties.
First, Think much of the being and existence of God. Herein lies the foundation of all our relation and access unto him, Heb. xi. 6. 'He that cometh unto God, must believe that he is.' This is the first object of faith ; and it is the first act of reason ; and being the sole foundation of all re- ligion, it is our duty to be exercised unto multiplied thoughts about it, renewed on all occasions. For many who are not direct atheists, yet live without any solid well-grounded as- sent unto the divine being ; they do not so believe it as to be practically influenced with the consideration of it. It is granted, that the inbred light of nature, in the due exercise of reason, will give any rational creature satisfaction in the being of God. But there is in the most an anticipation of any thoughts of this nature by tradition and education, which hath invited men into an assent unto it, they know not how. They never called it into question, nor have as they suppose any cause so to do. Nature itself startles at the first thoughts of denying of it; but if ever such persons on any urgent occasions come to have real thoughts about it, they are at a loss, and fluctuate in their minds, as not hav- ing any certain indubitable conviction of its truth. Where- fore, as our knowledge of the Divine Being is as to the foundation of it laid in the light of nature, the operation of conscience, and the due exercise of reason about the works and effects of infinite power and wisdom ; so it ought to be increased, and rendered useful by faith in divine revelations, and the experience of divine power through them. By this faith we ought to let in frequent thoughts of the divine being and existence : and tliaton tw^o reasons, rendering the duty necessary in an eminent manner, in this age wherein we live.
1. The abounding of atheism, both notional and practi- cal. The reasons of it have been given before, and the mat- ter of fact is evident unto any ordinary observation. And on two accounts with respect hereunto we ought to abound
BEING SPIRITUALLY MINDED. 339
in thoughts of faith concerning the being of God. 1. An especial testimony is required in us, in opposition to this cursed effect of hell. He, therefore, who is spiritually minded, cannot but have many thoughts of the being of God, there- by giving glory to him. Isa. xliii. 9 — 12. ' Let all the na- tions be gathered together, and let the people be assembled : who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justi- fied ; or let them hear, and say. It is truth. Ye are my wit- nesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he : before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the Lord, and beside me there is no Saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange God among you : there- fore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God.' xliv. 8. * Fear ye not, neither be afraid ; have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it ; ye are even my wit- nesses. Is there a God besides me ? yea, there is no God : I know not any.' 2. We shall have occasion of them con- tinually administered unto us. Those atheistical impieties, principles, and practices, which abound amongst us, are griev- ous provocations unto all pious souls. Without frequent retreat unto thoughts of the being of God, there is no relief nor refreshment to be had under them. Such was the case of Noah in the old world, and of Lot in Sodom, which ren- dered their graces illustrious.