244 THE NATURE OF HEAVENLY prayer, is, either set, in a constant course of study, or occasional, at an extraordinary season ;' so also is medi- tation. Now, though I would persuade you to that meditation which is mixed with your common labours, and also that which special occasions direct you. to; yet I would have you likewise make it a constant standing duty, as you do by hearing, praying, and reading the scriptures; and no more intermix other matters with it, than you would with prayer, or other .stated solemnities. 6. This meditation is upon thy everlasting rest. I would not have you cast off your other meditations ; but surely-, as heaven bath the pre- eminence in perfec- tion, it should have it also in our meditation. That which will make us most happy when we possess it, will make us most joyful when we meditate upon it. Other meditations are as numerous as there are lines in the Scripture, or creatures in the universe, or particular providences in the government of the world. But this is a walk to mount Sion ; from the kingdoms of this world to the kingdom of saints ; from earth to hea- ven ; from time to eternity : it is walking upon sun, moon, and stars, in the garden and paradise of God. It may seem far off; but spirits are quick ; whether in the body or out of the body, their motion is swift. You need not fear, like the men of the world, lest these thoughts should make you mad. It is heaven and not hell, that I persuade you to walk in. It is joy, and not sorrrow, that I persuade you to exercise. I urge you to look on no deformed objects, but only upon the 'ravishing glory of saints, and the unspeakable excel- lencies of the glory of God, and the beams that stream from the face of his Son. Will it distract a. man to think of his only happiness? Will it distract the mise- rable to think of mercy, or the prisoner to foresee de- liverance, or the poor to think of approaching riches and honour? Methinks it should rather make a man mad, to think of living in a world of woe, and abiding in poverty and sickness, among the ragé of wicked men, than to think of living with Christ in bliss. But
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