HEAVENLY CONTEMPLATION, &C. 273 CHAPTER XV. Heavenly Contemplation assisted by sensible Objects, and guarded against a treacherous Heart. § 1. As it is difñcuIt to maintain a lively impression of heavenly things, therefore § .2. (I.) heavenly contemplation may be as- sisted by sensible objects ; § 3. (1) if we draw strong supposi- tions from sense; and § 4 - - -11. (2) if we compare the objects of sense with the objects of faith, several instances of which are produced. § 12. (II.) Heavenly contemplation may also be guarded against a treacherous heart, by considering, § 13, 14, (1) the great backwardness of the heart to this § 15. (2) its trifling in it, § 16. (3) its wandering from it, § 17. (4) its too abruptly putting an end to it. § 1. THE most difficult part of heavenly contempla- tion is to maintain a lively sense of heavenly things upon our hearts. It is easier merely to think of hea- ven a whole day, than to be lively and affectionate in those thoughts a quarter of an hour. Faith is imper- fect, for we are renewed but in part ; and goes against a world of resistance ; and being supernatural, is prone to decline and languish, unless it be continually ex- cited. Sense is strong, according to the strength of the flesh ; and being natural, continues while nature continues. The .objects of faith are far off; but those of sense are nigh. We must go as far as heaven for our joys. To rejoice in what we never saw, nor ever knew the man that did see, and this upon a mere pro- mise in the Bible, is.not so easy as to rejoice in what we see and possess. It must therefore be a point of spiritual prudence, to call in sense to the assistance of faith. It will be a good work, if we can make friends of these usual enemies, and make them instruments 9 M m
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