291 SERMON XXXI. PSALM. IV. 4. Stand in awe and fin not: commune with your own heart, and in your chamber, and be still. XXXI. O check the impulfe of paffion SERM. and prevent the first attacks of vice on the foul of man, a reverential awe of the Deity is implanted in every breast by. the gracious Author of our being. Till this faithful guard is removed by violence, or feduced and drawn away by our deceitful and corrupt affections, guilt can by no means gain admittance. Whilft the inftructions of this ufeful monitor SERM. are carefully attended to, the dictates of XXXI. fin and fatan will not be regarded. The fear of the Lord is the beginning, and it is the continuance alfo of true wisdom; the moment we part from it, we are in danger of falling into error, and deviating into the paths of vice. In the earlier part of life therefore we should endeavour to imprint this divine fignature on our minds in the most indelible characters, characters which fhould grow with our growth, and strengthen with our ftrength; fuch as may never be effaced by time, place or circumftance, and to retain always in our fouls, that which will always be their best security. And to this end the holy Pfalmifst, who well knew our obligation and neceffity of complying with the precept he gives, gives, hath at the fame time that he enjoined, condefcended alfo to guide and direct us in the practice of it; and hath accordingly pointed out to us the most effectual means of preferving that religious awe and veneration of God, which alone can enfure our everlasting falvation. Commune with your own hearts, fays he, and in your chamber, and be ftill. The royal monitor, who gives us the advice, was well acquainted both with public and private life; he had experienced the danger of courts and palaces, and he hath tafted the fweets of retirement and contemplation: to these last therefore he admonishes us to repair for that peace and tranquillity which it is not in the power of a noify venal world to bestow; to fhun that bustle and glare which is too apt to dazzle and deceive us, and seek the calm and quiet fhade of SERM. XXXI. |