press our minds with the conviction that he discerns our inmost thoughts. In this way we may properly be said to draw near to him ; because, though in fact we are no nearer to him than before, yet we are much nearer in our oivn apprehension ; and the effect upon our own minds is precisely the same as if the approximation were real.]
2. With the heart —
[The drawing nigh to God is not a work of the under- standing only, but also of the heart '^'^ : and the exercises of the one are as necessary as those of the other. Indeed the idea of approaching God without suitable affections, is vain ; since man cannot remain unaffected in the Divine presence ; nor would he be approved of God if he did. It is obvions therefore that an acceptable approach to God must be attended with such emo- tions, as become a sinner in the presence of his Judge, and a redeemed sinner in the presence of his Lord and Saviour. It must be accompanied with a fear of God's majesty, an admira- tion of his goodness, an affiance in his mercy, a love to his name, a submission to his will, a zeal for his glory. These various feelings must be expressed in such petitions and acknow- ledgments as the occasion requires. In short, our drawing nigh to God must somewhat resemble Esther's approach to Ahasuerus. She knew that none but the king could help her ; and that she must perish if she did not obtain favour in his sight : and there- fore, with much preparation of mind, she humbly presented her- self before him, and then offered her petition in the manner she thought most likely to prevail^.]
Having ascertained the import of drawing nigh to God, we proceed to shew,
II. The benefit arising from it —
There is no other thing under heaven so " good for" the soul, as this *^:
1 . There is nothing so pleasant —
[We will grant, for argument sake, that the things which this world afford are capable of imparting as much happiness as the votaries of pleasure expect : still the happiness of drawing near to God is incomparably greater. We appear indeed to ** speak parables*^" when we descant on such a subject as this, because the things we affirm can be known only from Scripture
and
"'* I Cor. xiv. 15.
* Esth. V. I — 4. This whole head might be changed ; and, in- stead of it, one might shew. How we are to draw nigh to God. This would be more in the common-place way ; but it would be easier, and perhaps more profitable to the lower class of hearers.
^« Lam. iii. 25. ' Ezek. xx. 4g.