248 THE NATURE OF HEAVENLY What fitter time to converse with our Lord, than on the Lord's day ? What fitter day to ascend to heaven, than that on which he arose from earth, and fully triumphed over death and hell. The fittest temper for a true Christian is, like John, to be in the spirit on the Lord's day.(b) And what can bring us to this joy in the Spirit, but the spiritual beholding of our approach- ing glory? Take notice of this, you that spend the Lord's day only in public worship ; your allowing no time to private duty; and therefore neglecting this spi- ritual duty of meditation, is very hurtful to your souls. You also that have time on the Lord's day for idleness and vain discourse, were you but acquainted with this duty of contemplation, you would need no other pas- time; you would think the longest day short enough, and be sorry that the night had shortened your pleasure. Christians, let heaven have more share in your sabbaths, where you must shortly keep your everlasting sabbath. Use your sabbaths as steps to glory, till you have pass- ed them all, and are there arrived. Especially you that are poor, and cannot take time in the week as you de- sire, see that you well improve this day ; as your bodies rest from their labours, let your spirits seek after rest from God. § 14. Besides the constant seasonableness of every day, and particularly every Lord's day, there are also more' peculiar seasons for heavenly contemplation. As for instance : § 15. When God hath more abundantly warmed thy spirit with fire from above, then thou mayest soar with greater freedom. A little labour will set thy heart a -going at such a time as this ; whereas at another time thou mayest take pains to little purpose. Observe the gales of the Spirit, and how the Spirit of Christ doth move thy spirit. Without Christ we can do nothing ; and therefore let us be doing while he is doing ; and be sure not to he out of the way, nor asleep, when he comes. When the Spirit finds thy heart, like Peter, in prison, and in irons, and smites thee, and says, Arise (b) Revelations i. 10.
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