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I. HIS GENERAL CHARACTER. He walked with God.

1. What walking with God supposes.

2. Some advantages which result from walking with God.

(1)  Guidance in difficulties (Proverbs 3:6). "He shall direct." etc. (Psalm 32:8).

(2)  Preservation from falling (Psalm 16:8).

(3)  Assistance in weakness (Isaiah 41:10).

(4)  Comfort in afflictions (Psalm 46:1, and Psalms 94:19).

(5)  Improvement in piety (Proverbs 4:18).

II. SOME PECULIAR CIRCUMSTANCES CONNECTED WITH IT. Particularly —

1. The period of its commencement, and the time of its continuance. It commenced in what may be considered his early youth; when he had not lived the twelfth part of the then usual age of man. This shows us that early piety is acceptable to God (Proverbs 8:17). Seek it (Ecclesiastes 12:1); for early habits are most easily formed, and most lasting (Lamentations 3:27). It continued at least three hundred years. This teaches us that the pleasures of religion never cloy (Psalm 63:3, 4); and that God's grace is sufficient for the longest pilgrimage (2 Corinthians 12:9).

2. The relations under which it was sustained.

(1) The relation of a family governor. Hence, we see the falsehood of three common suppositions. First, "That solitude is necessary to piety." This is an error of superstition; as Christians we are called to sociability (Matthew 5:14-16). Secondly, "That religion is injurious to social duties and comforts." This is an error of prejudice, which is confuted by many living characters (Proverbs 12:26). Thirdly, "That we serve God only when we engage in acts of devotion." This is an error of ignorance; for we also serve God acceptably when we serve mankind in obedience to Him (Acts 13:36; Galatians 5:14, and Galatians 6:2,10).

(2) This character was also sustained by Enoch, under the relation of a public teacher. From this example we learn that teachers of others should be careful to walk with God themselves; in domestic life, that they may engage their families in God's service (Joshua 24:15); in public life, that their labours may be blessed by God (Psalm 51:12, 13; Malachi 2:6).

3. The scenes amidst which it was preserved. These were examples of prevailing ungodliness, when piety was generally reproached. Thus, when iniquity is general, it is our duty to be singular (Exodus 23:2); for we are called by God to be a peculiar people (Titus 2:14; Romans 12:2). A resolute confession of God in the face of an opposing world, is highly pleasing to Him (Hebrews 11:5). "He pleased God" (Numbers 14:24). Those who honour God are honoured by Him (1 Samuel 2:30).

4. The glorious event which succeeded this holy walk: "God took him." He was translated body and soul to heaven, without seeing death.

(1) This removal was gainful to him; it perfected his felicity. So the death of all true believers is followed by the eternal consummation of all their happiness (Philippians 1:21, 23; Luke 23:43).

(2) It was honourable to God. To His wisdom in discriminating characters; to His goodness, in rewarding the faithful; and to His truth, in fulfilling His promises. So is the death of all His saints (Psalm 116:15, and Psalms 58:11).

(3) It was beneficial to mankind. It teaches mankind in all ages —

(a) That there is another and better world reserved for the righteous, as the ascension of Elijah and our Lord did afterwards (Hebrews 11:16; 1 Peter 1:3, 4, 5);

(b) that piety is extensively profitable, being evidently conducive to our eternal, as well as to our present welfare (1 Timothy 4:8);

(c) that the redemption of our bodies as well as our souls is certain. For we see God able and faithful to fulfil His engagements (Hosea 13:14; Philippians 3:21);

(d) that an early removal is no loss to the righteous. For what is taken from time is added to a blissful eternity (Revelation 7:14-17);

(e) that a sudden removal, when God appoints it, is no cause of terror to those who die in Him, for to all such characters sudden death becomes sudden glory.

(Sketches of Sermons.)

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KJV: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

WEB: Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.