Many are the competitors for the heart of man. Though our dear Father and best friend lovingly calls for the free-will offering of this precious jewel, yet we are foolishly inclined to give it to our worst enemies. This pleasing world, with all its gay scenes of happiness and joy, attracts our affections, inchants our minds, and bewitches our senses; so that we love it dearly, devote our hearts to it cheerfully, and dread the very thoughts of leaving it greatly.

What was foretold in prophecy, is fulfilled in the faith and experience of saints. Here are two notes of attention. ‘Behold;’ it highly concerns thee; take special notice. When the Lord God, our Immanuel Jesus, came to his temple, he found the beautiful building in sad disorder; his spiritual worship lost, and ‘his house of prayer turned into a den of thieves.’ Behold, with a strong hand and stretched-out arm, with no weapon, but an insignificant scourge of small cords, he drove the multitude from the temple.

Happy for us, if this was our address to the Lord under every enterprise; how many distresses and difficulties should we avoid; how much more peaceful and comfortable should we be in our journey through life. It is a blessed thing to have an especial eye to God’s presence, as well as to his providence. The Lord may permit his children to succeed in their schemes and undertakings, in the course of his providence, when he doth not accompany their souls with his favour and presence.

When a poor sinner knows what human nature is, and sees his brethren and companions after the flesh, ‘living without Christ and without God in the world;’ making a mock at sin, and ridiculing the truths and ways of Jesus; and finds his own heart touched with a loving fear of the Lord, then he is ready to cry out. Whence is this? He can only say, Grace reigneth; the Sun of righteousness hath risen upon me.