ASSÌSTEb BY SENSIBLE ÒBJMTS. 277 that God himself dwells in, the walks and prospects in the city of God, and the celestial paradise !" 1 5. Compare also the delights above, with those we find in natural knowledge. These are far beyond the delights of sense ; but how much farther are the delights of heaven! Think then "Can an Archimedes be so taken up with his mathematical invention, that the threats of death cannot disengage him, but he will die in the midst of his contemplations? Should not I be much more taken up with the delights of glory, and die with these contemplations fresh upon my soul : espe- ,eially when my death will perfect my delights, while those -of Archimedes die with him ! What exquisite pleasure is it to dive into the secrets of nature, and find out the mysteries of arts and sciences; especially if we make a new discovery in any one of them ! What high delights are there then in the knowledge of God and Christ ! if the faith of human learning be so beauti- ful, as to make sensual pleasures appear base and bru- tish: how beautiful then is the face of God ! When we meet with some choice book, how could we read it day and night, almost forgetful of meat, drink or sleep ! What delights are there then at God's right hand, where we shall know in a moment all that is to be known !" Compare also the delights above, with the delights of morality, and of the natural affections. What delight had many sober heathens in the rules and practice of moral duties, so that they took him alone for an honest man who did well through the love of virtue, and not merely for fear of punishment ; yea, so much valued was this moral virtue, that they thought man's chief happi- ness consisted in it ! Think then, What excellency will there be in our heavenly perfection, and in that uncreated perfection of God, which we shall behold ! What sweetness is there in the exercise of natural love whether to children, parents, yoke fellows, or intimate friends ! Does David say of Jonathan, Thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women ? Did the :soul of Jonathan cleave of David ? Had Christ himself one disciple whom he especially loved, and who was wont to lean on his breast ? If then the delights of close,
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