270 CONTEMPLATION PROMOTED wise men saw the star that led to Christ, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy ;(o) but I shall shortly see him, who is himself the bright and morning Star.(p) If the disciples departed from the sepulchre with great joy, when they had but heard that the Lord was risen from the dead ;(q) what will be my joy, when I shall see him reigning in glory, and myself raised to a bless- ed communion with him ! Then shall I indeed have beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garments of praise for the spirit of heaviness; and Sion shall be made an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations.(r) Why then do I not arise from the dust, and cease my complaints ? Why do I not tram- ple on vain delights, and feed on the foreseen delights of glory ? Why is not my life a continual joy, and the savour of heaven perpetually upon my spirit ?" 19. Let me here observe, that there is no neces- sity to exercise these affections, either exactly in this order, or all at one time. Sometimes one of thy affec- tions may need more exciting, or may be more lively than the rest; or, if thy time be short, one may be ex- ercised one day, and another upon the next; all which must be left to thy prudence to determine. Thou hast also an opportunity, if inclined to make use of it, to exercise opposite and more mixed affections ; such as hatred of sin, which would deprive thy soul of these immortal joys ; godly fear, lest thou should abuse thy mercy ; godly shame and grief, for having abused it; unfeigned repentance ; self - indignation ;jealousy over thy heart ; and pity for those who are in danger of losing these immortal joys. § 20. (III) We are also to take notice, how heavenly contemplation is promoted by soliloquy and prayer. Though consideration be the chief instrument in this work, yet, by itself, it is not so likely to affect the heart. In this respect contemplation is like preaching, where the mere explaining of truths and duties is seldom at- tended with such success, as the lively application of them to the conscience ; and especially when a divine (oi Matt. ii. 10 (p) Rev. xxii. 16. (q) Matt. xxviii. 7, 8. (r) Isa. lxi. 3. lx. 1°.
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