302 AN EXAMPLE OF be exceeding glad, because my reward in heaven is great. I know he would have my joys exceed my sor- rows; and as much as he delights in the humble and contrite, he yet more delights in the soul that delights in him. Hath my Lord spread me a table in this wil- derness, and furnished it with the promises of ever- lasting glory, and set before me angel's food? Doth he frequently and importunately invite me to sit down and feed, and spare not ? Hath he, to that end, fur- nished me with reason, and faith, and a joyful dispo- sition? And is it possible that he should be unwilling to have me rejoice? Is it not his command to delight thyself in the Lord ; and his promise, to give thee . the desires of thine heart ? Art thou not charged to rejoice evermore? yea, to sing aloud, and shout for joy? Why should I then be discouraged? My God is willing, if I were but willing. He is delighted with my delights. He would have it my constant frame, and daily business, to be near him in my believing meditations, and to live in the sweetest thoughts of his goodness. O blessed employment fit for the sons of God ! But thy feast, my Lord, is nothing to me without an appetite! Thou hast set the dainties of heaven before me; but alas! I am blind, and cannot see them ; I am sick, and cannot relish them ; I am so benumbed, that I cannot put forth my hand to take them. I therefore humbly beg this grace, that as thou bast opened heaven to me in thy word, so thou wouldst open mine eyes to see. it, and my heart to delight in it ; else heaven will be no heaven to me. O thou Spirit of life, breathe upon thy graces in me; take me by the hand, and lift me from earth, that I may see what glory thou hast prepared for them that love thee. § 15. "Away then, ye soul-tormenting cares and fears, ye heart - vexing sorrows! At least forbear a little while ; stand by ; stay here below, till i go up and see my rest. The way is strange to me, but not to Christ. There was the eternal abode of his glorious Deity ; and thither hath he also brought his glorified flesh. It was his work to purchase it ; it is his to prepare it, and pre-
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