CONTEMPLATION CONSIDERED. 255 like a child's plaything, a fool's laughter, or a sick man's dream of health. He that trades for heaven is the only gainer, and he that neglects it is the only loser. How seriously, therefore, should this work be done': CHAPTER XIV. What use heavenly Contemplation makes of Considera- tion, Affections, Soliloquy, and Prayer. 1. The reader is invited to engage in heavenly contemplation ; 2. and to that end is, (I.) directed in the use of consideration ; 3 - --8. the great influence of which over the heart is represented in several instances : § 9. Then (II.) it is shown how heavenly contemplation is promoted by the affections , particularly, § 10 12. (1) by love, § 13. (2) desire, § 14. (3) hope, § 15. (4) courage or boldness, 16 -- -18. and (5) joy. § 19. A caution is added concerning this exercise of the affections. 20 22. (III.) The chapter concludes with some account of the useful- ness of soliloquy and prayer, in heavenly contemplation. ÿ 1. HAVING set thy heart in tune, we now come to the music itself. Having got an appetite, now approach to the feast, and delight thy soul as with marrow and fatness. Come, for all things are now ready. Heaven and Christ, and the exceeding weight of glory, are before you. Do not make light of this invitation, nor begin to make excuses; whatever thou art, rich or poor, though in alms-houses or hospitals, though in highways and hedges, my commission is, if possible, to compel you to come in ; and blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God ! The manna lied] about your tents; walk out, gather it up, take it home and feed upon it. In Order to this I am only to direct you -how to use your consideration --» and affections your soliloquy and prayer. § 2. (I.) Consideration is the great instrument
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=