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 own 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 e : 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 obvious there- fore that an acceptable approach to God must be attended with such emotions, 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 admi- ration of his goodnesss, 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 acknowledgments as the occasion requires. In short, our drawing nigh to God must somewhat resemble Esther's ap- proach 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 therefore, with much preparation of mind, she humbly presented herself before him, and then offered her petition in the manner she thought most likely to prevail f.]
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 thisg:
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 draw- ing near to God is incomparably greater. We appear indeed to" speak parables11" when we descant on such a subject as this, because the things we affirm can be known only from
e 1 Cor. xiv. 15.
f Esth. v. 1 — 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.
e Lam. iii. 25. h Ezek. xx. 49.