KEEP THY HEART --- Proverbs 4:23.
"Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things." --- Luke 10:41.
"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." --- Proverbs 4:23.
As the virtue of a strong spirituous liquor evporates by degrees in a vial which is not prperly stopped, in like manner the life and power of the Spirit insensibly vanish away if the heart is not kept with all diligence.
Of the former remains only water; of the latter, nothing but the form of religion, or perhaps some false principles and errors crept in. Therefore many must be tried and sifted, that they may know, like Hezekiah, what is in their hearts; 2 Chronicles 32:31: consequently, what more needful than to take heed to our own spirits, and to keep close to the written word? for as the latter times draw nearer, the more plausible will errors and seducements appear, both on your right hand and on your left.
Beware of being drawn off from the truth, either by the worldly prudence of half-hearted professors, or by pretences to merit in the self-righteous Pharisee.
O Lord, permit me not to be
A stranger to myself and to thee;
Amidst a thousand thoughts I rove,
Forgetful of my highest love.
Call me away from flesh and sense,
One sov'reign word can draw me thence;
I would obey the voice Divine,
And all inferior joys resign.
Be earth and all her scenes withdrawn,
Let noise and vanity be gone;
In secret silence of the mind,
My heav'n and there my God, I find.